Fall and Thanksgiving are a time to come together and give thanks. Each year we also remember there are many millions in the U.S. and around the globe who are still hungry. 1 John 3:17 (NRSV) reminds us, “How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help?” As a nation of plenty we can and must do more to ensure that all are provided basic nutrition and dignity. Here are two ways you can act.
Over the past few years the administration has tried to cut nutrition assistance from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and make qualifying for that assistance very restrictive. Another rule was recently proposed that would cut program benefits by $4.5 billion over five years, making it extremely difficult for low income families to pay for food and utilities. This new rule would also disproportionately impact elderly people and those with disabilities. We know that access to SNAP benefits lifts families out of poverty and creates more favorable conditions for families to thrive. Kids have higher graduation rates, parents have better earnings, and most importantly those who need food and other assistance have it. Submit a comment sharing why you think it is important for access to SNAP to continue without restrictions. We have provided a template, but it is important to use unique and personal comments so that each one is counted.
Around the globe, 821 million people still experience hunger every day, with women and children especially vulnerable to food insecurity. The bipartisan Global Nutrition Resolution acknowledges that progress has been made, thanks to strong U.S. leadership and a bipartisan commitment, but calls for more to be done to eliminate malnutrition. This includes stronger support for a U.S. global nutrition strategy and increased efforts to scale up maternal and child nutrition. Ask your member of Congress to support the Global Nutrition Resolution Res.189 (House) and S.Res.260 (Senate) today, and turn your thanksgiving into action.
We are called to be people not just of words, but tangible actions. Take action today by letting the administration know that restrictions on nutrition assistance are immoral, and tell Congress to act to end malnutrition around the globe.
This Thanksgiving, tell the administration you oppose cuts to SNAP.