As the government shutdown drags on as the longest shutdown in U.S history, the impoverished bear the brunt.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), previously known as food stamps, was announced by the U.S Department of Agriculture to be no longer funded federally as of Nov. 1. Federal judges ruled that the Trump administration must use contingency funds to pay for SNAP soon after, but those who benefit from SNAP are left uncertain about how long their food assistance will be delayed.
41.7 million Americans rely on SNAP, and with Thanksgiving approaching, the lack of food assistance makes it even more difficult for families to gather and share a meal.
American politics does not care about the poor
Whether the Democrats or the Republicans are to blame for the shutdown, there are many Americans struggling to just get by because of SNAP cuts. The pressure of the shutdown should urge both parties to come to a compromise as quickly as possible, but the debate about federal funds is starting to feel less for the people and more as an excuse to play the blame game.
Pointing of fingers will not put food into the mouths of the impoverished Americans who rely on food assistance from SNAP.
The poor are not our enemy
Contrary to popular belief, getting out of poverty is not as easy as just getting a job. According to a 2001 study, about 50% of affluent people believed that poor people are not doing enough to get themselves out of poverty. However, poverty is a perpetual cycle that often runs generations deep, and the reasons for food insecurity are complex. Even if parents are working full-time, they may not earn enough to feed their family adequately; 37% of impoverished households are also food insecure. And In 2022, about 19% of all children in America faced food insecurity — 6% more than in 2021.
While millions of Americans are struggling with food insecurity, politicians gamble with their food assistance to prove a point. The people should be top priority.
For now, low-income Americans will have to find other food banks and pantries to get by.
Image from the NPG website
Edmond is one of the more affluent suburbs, but that does not mean that all students have the food that they need.
If any student at Edmond North is experiencing food insecurity, North has a food pantry to help out. The pantry is run by school secretary Charity Jermain — anyone in need of food can contact her. Once a student is put on the list, food is delivered directly to that person’s home by volunteers. The counselors and administrators are here to help as well, so don’t be intimidated to advocate for yourself.
The food pantry is run by the North Parent Group (NPG). If you have questions about donating money or directly sending food, email the NPG. or message them on Instagram or Facebook. The NPG also accepts nonperishable food donations and will appreciate any help they can get!
North’s food drive
Edmond North is holding a food drive through Nov. 18 to re-stock the pantry. Students are asked to donate non-perishables by bringing them to their advisory class. The advisory class that brings the most food will have a donut party.
If you have any spare cans of food, consider bringing them to school to help out the pantry and your fellow Huskies — no one at this school should go hungry.
