Food Support for Families During the Government Shutdown
Audre Lorde, one of my favorite writers and thinkers once said, “Without community, there is no liberation.”
We live in a society determined to convince us individualism is the answer; but, throughout history human beings have always relied on one another - particularly in periods of great challenge; the world is on fire, but I still believe we can reach through the flames to help one another.
As I type these words, here in the U.S., 40 million people (many families, elders and folks with disabilities) are in danger of losing access to SNAP and WIC by Saturday, November 1, if the government shutdown continues. These difficult times are calling us to awaken to a grounding truth - we belong to each other.
Sharing resources for folks impacted, and a way to raise your voice with your elected officials(via 5Calls)- demanding funding be restored for SNAP and WIC:
Feeding America: Use the search tool on their website to find local food banks, food pantries, and meal programs in your area.
FoodFinder: This tool allows you to search for nearby food pantries by zip code and view details like addresses, contact information, and hours.
Find Help.org: This website helps you find local food pantries and other assistance programs and other resources related to housing, healthcare and more.
Maryland Food Bank recently published a blog post with information to help state and federal workers; you can read it and full info here.
National Hunger Hotline: Operated by Hunger Free America, this hotline can connect you with local emergency food providers, government assistance programs, and other social services.
Contact: Call 1-866-3-HUNGRY (1-866-348-6479), or 1-877-8-HAMBRE (1-877-842-6273) for Spanish, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET.
Text: Texting services are also available. Text a keyword like "FOOD" or "MEALS" to 914-342-7744.
2-1-1.org: This is a comprehensive, nationwide resource that can connect you to health and human service programs, including food assistance, in your community. Maryland families visit them here.
Contact: Dial 2-1-1 on your phone to be routed to a local operator who can help.
- Call your Reps. Today! -
Use 5calls to make your voice heard and demand SNAP and WIC program funding is restored. Sample script below from 5Calls.
SAMPLE SCRIPT (Do not be afraid to also speak from the heart)
Hi, my name is [NAME] and I’m a constituent from [CITY, ZIP].
[IF CALLING REPUBLICAN]: I'm extremely concerned about the impact of the government shutdown on SNAP and WIC benefits for millions of Americans. I’m calling to ask that [REP/SEN NAME] immediately move to end this government shutdown by extending the ACA tax credits and blocking Trump’s illegal budget cuts. Prolonging this shutdown will cause untold suffering for millions of vulnerable people.
[IF CALLING DEMOCRAT]: I'm extremely concerned about the impact of the government shutdown on SNAP and WIC benefits for millions of Americans. I’m calling to urge [REP/SEN NAME] to demand the use of USDA contingency funds and any other available funding sources to keep these programs running while still holding firm against any federal budget deal that does not extend the ACA tax credits.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
IF LEAVING VOICEMAIL: Please leave your full street address to ensure your call is tallied.
