AIO Statement: SNAP Federal Payments Canceled
Many of us were shocked on Tuesday to learn that the Federal Government shutdown is blamed for the cancellation of SNAP payments for the month of November.
This will affect 12.5% of Mainers. In Knox County that would be about 5,000 people.
Our neighbors.
For most of these recipients, this will be devastating and have ripple effects forcing delayed payments for housing and auto loans, and putting off needed medical care, and auto and house repairs. Some will choose to forgo heat, just as we are on the brink of cold weather. The food pantries in the community have already seen a surge in demand over the past few months as tariffs have driven up food prices, and talk about cuts has created angst and uncertainty.
Today's announcement is the end of talk and a cold hard reality.
This country became great because of a strong middle class and because we have always been able to work toward the center with compromise and reason. Today the elected leaders of both parties are failing us and failing to insure that strong middle class we expect.
As the Executive Director of the largest food and energy non-profit in Knox county, I urge our leaders to step up, find a way to move beyond ego and party, and do what is right for the least and most vulnerable of their constituents and the Country as a whole. Political parties think they are in the right. They aren't. No one is right, if families, children, and the elderly can't afford the basic dignity of food and shelter.
What can you do?
Look out for and help your neighbors who may be struggling. Write your elected officials, urge them to compromise and get back to work. Stop by AIO with a food or monetary donation. Do something.
Thank you,
Alan Kearl
Executive Director
Links to Writing your Congressional Representatives:
Links to Calling your Congressional Representatives
Senator Collins – 202-224-2523
Senator King – 207-622-8292
Congresswoman Pingree – 207-774-5019
Congressman Golden – 202-225-6308