A Challenging Year and Commitment to Service

As many of you may know, 2025 has been an incredibly challenging year for our family. I personally survived multiple neurosurgeries and had to relearn how to walk again, while my dad underwent several foot surgeries and is currently in physical rehabilitation. Despite these personal difficulties, if you know the Sheehan family, you already know that nothing can stop us from giving our all to help those who are in need. We anticipate that this will be our final year operating as a charitable organization, but our dedication remains unwavering.

SNAP Benefits: Recent Changes and Impact

Regardless of your political views, I would like to draw your attention to the Supplemental Assistance Nutrition Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps. This vital program previously provided support to 41.8 million Americans out of a total population of 343.3 million each month, with monthly benefits ranging from $80 to $179, depending on factors such as location, age, disability status, and household size. However, following the recent government shutdown, these benefits have been reduced by 50%. As a result, the monthly food purchase assistance now ranges from only $40 to $89 per month.

Understanding SNAP: Program Details, Recipients, and Recent Changes

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides essential support for millions of Americans, but its usage is strictly regulated. SNAP benefits can only be used for actual food items and cannot be spent on non-food necessities such as toothpaste, deodorant, toilet paper, alcohol, tobacco, or lottery tickets.

Since 2024, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has reported a dramatic rise in grocery prices—by at least 23%. This surge represents the largest single increase in food costs since the 1920s, during the era of the Great Depression. As a result, the average American now faces unprecedented challenges in affording basic nutrition.

The demographics of SNAP recipients may be surprising to some. Children under the age of 18 make up 42% of beneficiaries, while individuals aged 60 and older—including those with disabilities—comprise 36%. The remaining participants are working families and adults aged 18 to 59. When looking at recipients by ethnicity, Caucasians make up the largest group at 37%, followed by African Americans at 22%, Hispanics at 12%, Asians at 3.9%, and Native Americans at 1.3%, according to the Food and Drug Administration.

Further breakdowns show that households with children under 18 represent 42% of SNAP recipients. Households with elderly or disabled members, including veterans, account for 38%, working families for 18%, and only 2% are currently unemployed.

On December 1, 2025, Fox News reported a significant policy change: the age limit for SNAP recipients was raised from 54 to 64 years old. Now, in order to qualify for the reduced 50% SNAP assistance, all recipients must work, train, or volunteer at least 80 hours each month—even those who have injuries, disabilities, or a history of military service.

While the complexities of politics and government funding are not my personal area of expertise, the importance of feeding and educating the nation’s most vulnerable children is at the core of the SAF Project’s mission. As a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, SAF has taken this responsibility seriously since 2012. Policy changes that result in children no longer receiving meals at school, halved SNAP benefits, and stricter eligibility requirements ultimately harm our future leaders, the elderly, and our veterans.

Evidence shows that children suffering from nutritional deficiencies struggle with brain development and learning. According to Food and Nutrition Services (FNS), in 2025 the average American spends $392.00 per person each month on non-restaurant food purchases, underscoring the growing financial burden on families nationwide.

SAF Project: Supporting Vulnerable Children and the Elderly

At the Sheehan Adopt-a-Family (SAF) Project, we are committed to ensuring that no child or elderly individual goes to bed hungry. While it is impossible for our organization to assist every vulnerable person across the country, since 2011, SAF has made a significant impact by providing food to 1,700 families. In addition, we have distributed 11,000 toys to children under the age of seven and established multiple computer laboratories at foster care group homes.

In recent years, our efforts have expanded to include paid internships and housing for foster care youth. Since 2021, SAF has provided these opportunities to 54 children who might otherwise face homelessness. Our goal for this year is to sponsor at least 15 additional paid internships, each including housing, at a cost of only $950 per student for a six-month period.

The urgency of our work is underscored by alarming trends in California. As of 2024, the number of homeless children has risen by 22%, and the percentage of elderly, disabled individuals, and veterans experiencing homelessness has increased by 20%, according to the Annual Homeless Assessment Report (AHAR). SAF stands apart as a charity that does not compensate a Board of Directors; every dollar donated goes directly to those most in need, especially during these critical times.

How You Can Make a Difference

Your support is vital to our mission. By “adopting” a youth through our program, you can have a direct and positive effect on their lives, providing hope, stable housing, educational opportunities, employment, and the possibility of a brighter future. We invite you to join us in making a difference. Any contribution to the SAF Project will be invaluable in helping us reach our holiday season goal and is eligible for a 501(c)3 tax-deductible donation.

Thank you for considering this opportunity to create meaningful change. If you would like to help, please click on this link to safely donate online at XXXXX.com, or contact Nurit or myself to arrange donation pickup in Los Angeles or the Desert.