The U.S. Department of Agriculture is trying to collect deeply personal information—names, addresses, birthdates, even Social Security numbers—from people who receive food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This affects tens of millions of low-income Americans who rely on SNAP to feed their families.

For now, the data grab is on pause after a lawsuit challenged it in court. But the USDA hasn’t backed down. They still plan to move forward after checking a few legal boxes—and that’s not good enough.

This kind of surveillance is not just unnecessary—it’s dangerous. Turning over this data puts people at risk of identity theft, immigration enforcement, and other forms of government intrusion. Many SNAP recipients are seniors, people with disabilities, immigrants, students, and parents struggling to get by. They shouldn't have to trade away their privacy to put food on the table.

The government should be making it easier—not scarier—for people to get help when they need it.

Use your First Amendment right. Tell the USDA: back off this plan, for good. No more delays. No more backdoors. Protect SNAP recipients’ privacy and access to the assistance they need now.

Photo via npr.org