As the federal government shutdown continues, one of the consequences will be the loss of SNAP benefits. As of Saturday, November 1, without some intervention by Capitol Hill or an end to the stalemate, nearly 42 million people will lose their food stamp benefits. SNAP is the nation’s biggest program in the fight against hunger, and since its inception during the Great Depression, it has continued uninterrupted—until now.
The tremendous shift in their fortunes is likely to prove a powerful motivator to voters who receive SNAP benefits in the upcoming midterm elections. Here, you’ll learn more about what they’re concerned about, who they are, and what they value.
Who Are the SNAP Recipients?
37% of SNAP Recipients are aligned with the Democratic Party, while 31% find more in common with the Independents. 24% align with the Republicans. As a group, however, they often don’t feel strongly about any one particular issue or political figure. 50%, for example, are unsure of their sentiments when it comes to the political policies of President Trump. 47% are neutral when it comes to his personality and behavior. Often, they are collectively distrusting of both parties in Congress: 33% trust neither party to handle taxes and spending, for instance. Another example: 52% don’t trust either side to handle disease outbreaks.
What this audience does feel strongly about are their concerns for the next six months, many of which are financial in nature or related to safety or the federal government:
-43% are worried about corruption in the US government
-41% are concerned about the federal government cutting necessary services and/or funding
-40% are worried about crime and violence
-39% are concerned about rising fuel/oil/energy prices
-38% are concerned about wages not keeping up with the cost of living
-35% worry about not being able to afford housing or a housing market crash
How likely are they to vote in the 2026 midterm elections? 28% are frequent voters in non-presidential elections, meaning they turned out for more than half of those taking place in their state in the last 10 years. And 27% are frequent voters in non-presidential primaries.
How Can You Craft Effective Messaging?
Creating campaign strategies and messaging that effectively engage SNAP Recipients starts with ensuring you understand what they value. Resonate data shows that this audience’s top three personal values are conformity, tolerance, and caring for nature. Here’s how you can use these personal values in your creative and messaging:
Conformity: Consider using themes of harmony, compromise, respect towards others, honoring parents and understanding.
Tolerance: Include themes of acceptance, inclusion, and diversity in your creative and messaging.
Caring for Nature: Consider using themes of unity with nature, safekeeping and conservation.
If you’re looking to get insights that will move the needle, whether your audience is SNAP Recipients, people who believe welfare benefits should be cut, or a custom audience, Resonate can help. To learn more about our AI-powered voter intelligence or our team of experts who will strategize and execute campaigns that drive results on your behalf, schedule a consultation with a data expert today.
