Resident Katie Yambo urges officials not to cut SNAP benefits

Katie Yambo, a 68-year-old North Carolina resident, told officials during the public comment period that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program has been essential for feeding her household and she pleaded with decision-makers not to cut benefits.

Yambo said she has been receiving SNAP benefits for about a year after a change in household size. "As soon as I applied, I got the — she told me — I received a letter saying how much I was gonna get, and it was very it's very helpful," she said, adding that the benefit helped buy baby food and other staples.

The resident described daily life in a multi-generational household, saying three of her children live with her and that family gatherings, including weekly Sunday meals and holiday dinners, center on food she prepares. She listed typical grocery items that SNAP helps cover: juices for the children, vegetables, meats, rice and beans. "My favorite snack would be coffee and crackers. Black coffee and crackers," she said.

Yambo also described broader economic strain: "Prices are so high. The economy, oh my god. Everything is high. The light bill, the groceries are really high." She urged others to apply for benefits, saying, "Without my benefits, my life would be a little bit tight. I'll tell everybody... go apply for them. You might get something or whatever." She added that her granddaughter receives $24 in benefits: "My granddaughter, she only gets $24, but $24 is $24 because she works."

Warning of consequences if assistance were cut, Yambo said, "If SNAP would go away, it'll be it'll hurt our pockets a lot. There's gonna be a lot of hunger and stuff, I think. Because really a lot of people need it." She concluded by asking officials not to take benefits away from people who depend on them.

No formal response or action was recorded in the transcript following her remarks.