'The program long ago ceased to be temporary help'

A sign advertising SNAP food stamps is seen on a fridge at a Walgreens in Queens, New York.

The 'food stamp dysfunction runs deeper'

(Image credit: Lindsey Nicholson / UCG / Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

published 8 May 2025

'The case for fixing food stamps'

The Wall Street Journal editorial board

Food stamp "enrollment doesn't shrink any longer in a strong economy as it should, and the rolls include millions of adults who can work," says The Wall Street Journal editorial board. The "program is contributing to one of America's most pressing social ailments: Prime-age men attenuated from work and its attendant disciplines and contributions to society." Congress "can crack down on the waiver offenses and make work a centerpiece of the program." But the "food stamp dysfunction runs deeper."

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Justin Klawans has worked as a staff writer at The Week since 2022. He began his career covering local news before joining Newsweek as a breaking news reporter, where he wrote about politics, national and global affairs, business, crime, sports, film, television and other news. Justin has also freelanced for outlets including Collider and United Press International.