Giving Thanks for Community

By now, most everyone has been made aware of the SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition
Assistance Program) crisis being faced by more than 40 million Americans. My aim is
not to get into political debate, but to shed light on what this means for people like
myself who depend on SNAP benefits, and why community is now more important than
ever.

As a person with several disabilities, I rely on SNAP benefits to assure that I am able to provide nutritious foods of my choosing for the month. I have to also rely on my SSDI benefit for food (Social Security Disability) because my SNAP benefits do not provide enough for the entire month’s needs. Now that I am not going to receive my SNAP benefits for November 2025, and possibly beyond, I am incredibly grateful to be part of a spiritual community that understands what a crisis this truly is.

There have already been conversations and actions taken on the behalf of folks like me at my home congregation. I can say with confidence that I know I will get through this time, with help from my friends. I am doing okay right now, as I planned ahead by going to my local food
pantry last week to stock up. My only struggle with the co-op is that the food provided is
not always diabetes-friendly. However, if enough people in the community donate foods
that are healthier for folks like me, a lot of neighbors can be assisted with their nutrition
needs.

This is truly a social justice issue that many can contribute toward, even with just a few cans or boxes of shelf-stable foods. If you are in need of help, please reach out to those in your community. People want to assist their neighbors in need, when they know what the need is. Let’s get through this together!

~Jen Garrison