With the government shutdown the last 30 days and SNAP (food stamps) being stopped November 1st, I keep asking myself some questions.
Why is food being used as a weapon in this political game?
Why, in one of the richest countries in the world, do we have so much food insecurity?
Why is our government allowing babies, children, families, veterans, the disabled, aged people, and so many others go without food?
SNAP is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. According to the USDA website: SNAP provides food benefits to low-income families to supplement their grocery budget so they can afford the nutritious food essential to health and well-being.
According to USAfacts.org, in 2024 approximately 41.7 million people received SNAP assistance, which is approximately 12.3% of the American population. This program is not just a program that brings food to families who need it, but it is a program that helps sustain our economy and our farmers. This program was established in 1964 by President Johnson; it is said to be one of the best social programs in our history. It not only feeds people in need but also helps boost the economy.
Every dollar spent on SNAP benefits generates approximately $1.50 to $1.80 in economic activity; it supports jobs and businesses in our communities. This creates a ripple effect in our economy, and it can destabilize it during a shut down. SNAP can act as a crucial economic stabilizer, providing a consistent source of spending money into local businesses.
There is already funding set aside for SNAP with the USDA department. SNAP funding does not need to run out on November 1st. SNAP is funded and designed not to end during a government shutdown. There is $5-$6 billion dollars already set aside in a contingency fund that is available right now! The Trump administration and the USDA know this; instead of feeding its people and not crashing the economy, they are choosing not to feed Americans and continue to use the people as pawns in this political game.
Almost 42 million people will lose their SNAP benefits. This is happening because the Trump administration believes that “immigrants” are receiving SNAP. “Immigrants” do not qualify for SNAP benefits. Only U.S. Citizens, Legal Permanent Residents after 10 years, or other contingencies are met, some groups from the United States territories, and some refugee groups. Some of these will no longer be eligible after the Big Beautiful Bill goes into play. The reason Americans will not be able to feed themselves and/or their kids is because of racism. It all stems from racism.
The emotional side of all of this to me: This administration is said to be CHRISTIAN, Pro-Life, and so many other “Godly” things. But when it comes down to it, they are all fake Christians because this is not how Jesus would behave. Jesus would feed the neediest of His people, which in this case is the 42 million people. When Jesus had 2 loaves of bread and 5 fish, he multiplied and fed the people. Jesus cared for the poor, children, the elderly, the sick, and so many others. This administration is pro-life while you are pregnant, but the moment you have the baby – BYE, go figure it out yourself; if your baby starves, so be it. These are the so-called Christians running this country.
The good people are those in our communities trying to lift each other up. Through all of this sadness, I have seen so many strangers in our cities, small businesses opening up to feed those that need food, no questions asked. People are running food drives, cooking for their neighbors, volunteering at food banks, and buying a few extra things at the grocery store to help another family in need. This is such a beautiful thing to see, to see the people in this country join in solidarity and help each other in our time of need. But this should not be happening; this is NOT sustainable.
We will continue to help each other until the very end. Let’s stop using food as a weapon and feed the people in this country. Use my taxes to feed our most vulnerable.
What are you doing to help yourself and or others during this time?
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