Tomorrow, November 1st, 42 million people, including 16 million children, will lose their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. This is unprecedented and should not happen. Here is a brief explanation. Scroll down to learn how to help your neighbor. (We also accept donations up to $5,000)…
Why are people at risk of losing food aid?
Due to the current government shutdown, federal funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will not end on November 1st. Without monthly SNAP benefits, people on a budget would have to choose between buying groceries for their families and paying for other necessities like rent, utilities and medicine. Negative impacts are both immediate (hunger, stress) and long-term (e.g., increased burden of chronic disease, increased health care costs, and decreased preventive care).
Is there no backup plan for such a crisis?
Yes, I definitely think so. Our tax dollars fund the SNAP program; we have an emergency fund Use in case of government shutdown. Food assistance programs have not been affected by previous closures. This is a crisis manufactured by the current administration. Children and adults will go hungry for basically no reason – experts say this could be the worst hunger crisis in the United States since the Great Depression.
Who is at risk of starvation?
Almost 42 million Americans, or about 1 in 8 people, use SNAP benefits to buy food. Most of these households have children, and the expiry of benefits means 16 million children are at risk of going hungry. According to the USDA, approximately 39% of SNAP recipients are children, 20% are seniors, and 10% are non-elderly people with disabilities. Any of us could easily need this program if our circumstances were a little different.
What about funding for women, infants, and children (WIC)?
Another program, known as WIC, varies by state. Some states plan to pay out benefits in November. Others won’t be able to do it. WIC ensures that low-income parents can not only purchase food, including formula, but also have access to prenatal care, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support. Nearly 7 million pregnant women, new parents, and young children rely on WIC. “Nearly half of infants born in the United States receive WIC benefits,” the National WIC Association writes. press release. “Federal government actions that threaten this lifeline must be stopped at all costs.”
Will anyone in the government fight back?
USDA has reserve funds available for SNAP and WIC, but the department issued a statement saying it will not use the estimated $6 billion needed to keep these critical programs operating. Democratic lawmakers are challenging the administration’s decision in court and are asking the Agriculture Department to use reserve funds. Some states are seeking to increase food assistance, but the USDA has temporarily said it will not refund the benefits to states that pay for them.
What should I do if I think I’ll lose my benefits?
you are not alone. If you have a balance on your EBT debit card, it does not expire and can continue to be used to purchase food. You can also contact local and state government agencies to obtain information about their own emergency food assistance. NPR has compiled the following information: guide New details regarding state-specific responses are also included. can visit 211.org Or call 211 for food assistance. Find help We provide a directory of food assistance programs by zip code. At City Harvest in New York, food map indicates soup kitchens and food pantries that are currently distributing free food. One Love Community Fridges maintains community refrigerators around town. If you normally use WIC, be sure to check to see if the service is still available in your particular state. It may also be available.
how to help
If you can, please join us to provide vital community care and do what the government is currently unable to do.
*Donate to Feeding America or your local food bank. feed america A national organization that distributes aid to food banks. Find help We provide a directory of food assistance programs by zip code. Food banks are already working hard to meet the needs of their communities, and in the future they may be forced to turn away people seeking food. Cash donations tend to be the most effective way to donate, as food banks often purchase products in bulk at discounted prices and tax-free. We’ll match donations from our readers up to $5,000. If you would like to donate to an organization providing food relief, please forward your receipt to hello@cupofjo.com with the subject line “Donation.” thank you.
* Deliver food to your local food bank or community refrigerator. can be used refrigerator finder To find a community refrigerator in your area. (Community refrigerators often need cleaning as well, so take the time to do so if you can.) You can donate formula to families in need. free formula exchangea national mutual aid network. In New York, here If you want to drop off food, this is an easy way. You can also volunteer at a food pantry or other organization. here it is One of many registration sites.
Here’s some advice for donating food directly to a food pantry, provided by food pantry volunteers (with a huge thank you): Erin Boyle and her friend provided this information):
1. Everyone donates boxes of mac and cheese, but they also need milk and butter, which are difficult to get from food banks.
2. Boxed milk is a treasure. Children need it because they eat a lot of cereal.
3. Everyone donates pasta sauce and spaghetti noodles.
4. Canned food must be pop-top. If not, please donate a can opener.
5. Oil is a necessary luxury for the Rice-a-Roni, and they receive it in abundance.
6. Spices, salt and pepper are real gifts.
7. Coffee and tea bags are thoughtful gifts.
8. Sugar and flour are snacks.
9. Fresh food donated by farmers and grocery stores is essential.
10. Tuna and crackers make a delicious lunch.
11. Ground beef is essential to Hamburger Helper.
12. We have a lot of peanut butter and jelly, but we need sandwich bread.
13. Butter or butter spread is good.
14. Eggs are a commodity!
15. You can make your child’s birthday cake using cake mix and frosting.
16. Dish detergent is expensive but always appreciated.
17. Feminine sanitary products are a luxury and women will cry if they want them.
18. Everyone loves stove top stuffing.
*make a sandwich chips. If you live in or near New York, make a sandwich for CHiPS, a community meal provider, food pantry, and shelter for women with young children in Park Slope, Brooklyn. CHiPS serves approximately 350 people daily with hot meals and sandwiches. You can make sandwiches at home too. using this guide (Invite your friends! Get the kids involved too!) and send them here. You can also donate or volunteer in other ways here.
* Contact your representative and encourage them to use their reserve funds. they have already implemented To keep SNAP and WIC running. federal judge in rhode island A temporary restraining order was issued to prevent the government from suspending SNAP benefits. and federal judge in massachusetts The court ruled that the suspension was likely illegal. However, this does not mean a deal has been finalized, especially as appeals and legal arguments are likely.
This is a modified version of the script below 5 calls:
Hello, my name is _____. [city, zip]. I’m calling because I want to hear that. [representative/senator name] Pressure on President Trump to use USDA emergency funds to keep SNAP benefits flowing to recipients in the state. Allowing hungry people to score political points during a government shutdown is cruel and causes unnecessary suffering. Thank you for your consideration.
This is a modified version of the script below cut trees and carry water:
Hello, I’m a voter. [zip]. My name is ______. I’m calling to express my concern that millions of low-income families who rely on SNAP and WIC are at risk of starvation because Republicans refuse to use the reserve money they have to pay for SNAP. Republicans need to work with Democrats to pass legislation now to ensure that hungry Americans don’t lose access to nutrition. thank you.
What are your thoughts? What else would you add? If you have any insights, please let us know. Also, if you need assistance with meals, please email us at hello@cupofjo.com. I would be happy if I could help you and your family get your life in order. thank you!
(Photo provided by: One Love Community Refrigerator. )
source: Erin Boyle, new york mug, new york times, CNN, News of the 19th, the hill, politiko, NPR. )
Source: Cup of Jo – cupofjo.com
