One payment processor has so far signaled to states that it intends to turn over data about millions of Americans to the federal government even as privacy groups warn that the request is illegal.
The Department of Agriculture is demanding sensitive data from states about more than 40 million food stamp recipients, as DOGE is amassing data for immigration enforcement.
The federal program gives $40 per month to each child in a low-income family to help with food costs while school is out. A Democratic Iowa lawmaker called it a "cruel and short-sighted decision."
Some nutrition programs are at risk of funding shortfalls as politicians spar over federal spending. Supplemental nutrition programs help millions of people every year who otherwise could not afford food.
A shutdown would affect the nearly 7 million women and children who rely on WIC for healthy food. Free school lunch and Meals on Wheels are also at risk, and SNAP could be impacted eventually too.
Millions of people who depend on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program known as SNAP will see a cut of $90 a month or more. Some recipients say it will make it harder to buy healthy food.
