You don’t know SN*P
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Lots of people have opinions about SNAP. Not enough of them know the people SNAP actually helps.
That's why Propel launched "You Don't Know SN*P" across our social channels: a series where we sat down with real people who receive SNAP benefits, shared a meal, and let them tell their own stories.
Each interview was hosted by Patience Ojionuka, a photographer, creator, and psychology PhD student whose work is about helping people feel seen and supported, both behind the camera and in her studies.
Meet Nunu, John, Tiffany, and Yulya.
Nunu#nunu
Nunu (Tatiana) is an artist who pours herself into her work. She never thought she’d be on SNAP. After an abusive relationship with her parents and experiencing homelessness at 23, she worked her way through the shelter system and finally got housing in October 2025. Today, she’s writing a book series and has already won two poetry competitions.
“When you’re dealing with poverty, every day can be a battlefield. No matter how small it is, it’s something that can get you by.”
“You’re not a bad person. You shouldn’t be embarrassed for having something.”
“The fact that people steal SNAP means that it’s important.”
John#john
John, 45, has lived in the Bronx his whole life, and he loves it. He worked everywhere, starting at 17, until 2020, when a car crushed his foot against a motorcycle and he could no longer work. That’s when he really needed SNAP. These days he’s teaching his son how to fix up a four-wheeler, and looking ahead to a long life.
“I’ve worked my whole life, guys, and I’m not a bum.”
“Without that, I don’t know if I would have been able to last this long.”
“I want to be 100. I want to see my great-grandkids. That’s what I want to see.”
Tiffany#tiffany
Tiffany is a mom, a hairdresser, and a CDPAP worker who likes to read and cook in the little free time she has. Her days start with getting the kids ready for school and run straight through two jobs. Benefits are what keep food on the table every month, even working as hard as she does.
“We just wanna feed our children without having to suffer and to think about if we’re gonna be able to turn our lights on tomorrow.”
“Food benefits really helped us a lot, because without that, I don’t even know how we would eat every month.”
“[SNAP recipients] all are hard workers. It benefits a lot of people. It makes the community better.”
Her goal for the summer? To take her kids on their first-ever vacation.
Yulya#yulya
Yulya is from Colorado and a proud member of the LGBTQ community. About a year and a half ago they found themselves suddenly unemployed—which led to being evicted and losing all of their savings. They’re clear-eyed about the shame people try to attach to asking for help, and just as clear that no one should carry it.
“Look at me. I’m six feet tall. One meal in the shelter is not enough for this girl, okay?”
“There is absolutely no shame in asking for help. I don’t know anyone who doesn’t need help at some point.”
“Don’t listen to what you’re being told. You deserve to help yourself.”
Hear the full stories
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