Feeding America

In today’s volatile political climate, most people have picked a clear side. A person is either red or blue, left or right, progressive or conservative, pro or anti-Trump. While these labels erode the fabric and spirit in which our founding fathers built our government, it also hides the true story of the suffering happening by making it easy to dismiss the “other.”

The rising cost of food was already forcing many to make tough decisions about what to stock their homes with. Now with approximately 42 million Americans either facing a delay in their SNAP benefits or losing them altogether, the choices have become even more dire. Begun as a pilot program in 1939 and then implemented as a permanent program funded by the federal government in 1964, the Food Stamp Program now known as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) is the government’s largest anti-hunger program, providing monthly benefits to low-income individuals, people living with a disability, and the elderly.

In this country no one should have to go hungry or make tough decisions between food and housing for a month. In a country where estimates report that campaigning during the 2024 election cycle cost between ten and sixteen billion dollars, every person should have access to fresh produce, healthy meats, and the staples of life to fill their belly each and every day. We do not live in a state of scarcity and yet that is the narrative being offered. There is truly more than enough to go around for everyone in the United States and beyond to pursue their God-given and unalienable rights of this country: life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

I am reminded of Matthew 25:35–40 (NIV), which tells us: “‘For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in.’  Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?’ The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”

As this government shutdown now stretches into the longest on record, I find myself looking for any good news. The hope that I find is that so many are finding ways to take care of the most vulnerable in this season. Churches are organizing across cities to make sure meals are offered each day of the week; schools are hosting food drives to collect for friends and neighbors; individuals are giving to local pantries and organizations that can do the good work on large scales. This is the work that we are called to do regardless of which party we voted for. We are all a part of God’s family and are called to be good neighbors to one another, offering tangible support and love to those who have been called the least of.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
The Rev. Trayce Potter serves as the Minister for Children’s and Youth Engagement in the National Setting of the United Church of Christ.

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