The Growing Need for SNAP and Medicaid Among Employed Americans

For generations, employment has been viewed as the pathway to financial stability. Today, however, millions of Americans are discovering that having a job does not always guarantee the ability to afford food, healthcare, or other basic necessities. A recent Government Accountability Office (GAO) report found that a growing number of employees at some of the nation's largest companies—including Amazon, Walmart, FedEx, Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, Grubhub, and Instacart—are relying on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and Medicaid to make ends meet.

The report highlights a troubling reality facing working families across the country. Nearly 14 million working adults were enrolled in Medicaid in 2024, while more than 10 million lived in households receiving SNAP benefits. Many of these individuals worked full-time, illustrating that employment alone is no longer enough to provide financial security. Rising costs for housing, groceries, healthcare, transportation, and childcare continue to outpace wage growth for many workers, leaving families with difficult choices about how to stretch their paychecks.

The GAO also found that the number of Amazon employees receiving SNAP and Medicaid has increased significantly since its previous report in 2020. At the same time, rideshare and food delivery companies have become some of the largest employers of workers receiving public assistance. While some employers point to wage increases and employee benefits they have introduced in recent years, eligibility for these programs is based on household income, family size, and overall financial circumstances. The report illustrates that even workers who are employed may still struggle to cover the cost of living.

These findings come as new federal work requirements for SNAP and Medicaid are being implemented in many states. Supporters believe these policies will encourage greater workforce participation and help people become more self-sufficient, while critics worry they could make it harder for eligible workers to maintain access to essential food and healthcare benefits. Regardless of the policy debate, the report makes it clear that millions of Americans who contribute to the workforce every day continue to rely on public assistance simply to meet their basic needs.

This is where nonprofits become an essential part of the solution. Organizations across the country provide food assistance, healthcare navigation, financial education, emergency aid, and connections to community resources that help families during difficult times. While nonprofits cannot solve the underlying economic challenges alone, they play a critical role in ensuring that individuals and families have the support they need.

The GAO report is a reminder that employment and economic security are no longer synonymous for many Americans. As living costs continue to rise, it is more important than ever to invest in resources that help working families thrive. Every person who works deserves the opportunity to provide for themselves and their loved ones with dignity. By working together, employers, policymakers, nonprofits, and community members can help build stronger communities where hard work truly leads to stability.

Sources:

https://www.cnn.com/2026/07/23/economy/medicaid-snap-amazon-gig-workers