At Family Promise, we see firsthand that SNAP benefits are critical in helping families stabilize when they experience homelessness or other hardships. Because of SNAP, parents can keep food on the table as they work to obtain stable housing and achieve economic mobility.
More than 60% of SNAP recipients are in families with children. Keeping children fed supports their healthy development and future success. It is also good for our communities— every $1 in SNAP benefits generates at least $1.50 in economic activity.
The delay of SNAP benefits when the cost of food, rent, and other necessities is high is causing untold suffering and harm to children and their communities. Some Family Promise sites are even receiving calls from federal employees in need of rent and utility assistance for the first time ever. Nevertheless, our national network is actively stepping up with compassion and creativity to support families facing increased economic hardship.
- Family Promise of Shenandoah County (VA) is hosting their annual 5k soon, and they’ve designated that all donations be used to fund their food pantry.
- Family Promise of Cobb County (GA) worked with community volunteers on a fundraiser that supplied grocery gift cards to families.
While we know that the U.S. Department of Agriculture plans to release SNAP contingency funds, these funds will only cover about 2/3 of the loss of federal benefits, and many families will likely not see these partial benefits for several weeks, if not longer. Even the partial loss of SNAP benefits is devastating at a time when so many families are already facing significant material hardship.
We urge lawmakers to act swiftly to help children facing hunger and ensure that families have access to their full SNAP benefits. Our nation’s children and families are counting on you.
