From Military.com:
“'SNAP Is Everything':
Military Families, Vets Prepare for Empty Fridges”
“We would not eat.” That is how disabled U.S. Navy veteran Juan
Saro described a life without the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program,
known as SNAP, which he and more than 40 millions of Americans—around 1-in-8
Americans—rely on for food assistance. That includes seniors, disabled
individuals, and families with children.
About 1.2 million veterans are
enrolled now, according to the National Council on Aging. More than 20,000
military families, 213,000 National Guard and Reserve members, and more than 1
million veterans, rely on such benefits, according to Veteran.com.
On Nov. 1, the distribution of
SNAP benefits are expected to stop because of the shutdown and a ceasing of
funding through the federal government even as money could be allocated towards
the program. Some families are already planning for a month without grocery
money.
SNAP is his only way for Saro to
keep food on the table for himself and two boys he cares for.
Saro survived a brain injury and
post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from his time in the Navy. He later
worked as a sixth-grade teacher. But COVID-related health problems made it
impossible to stay in the classroom. The veteran now lives on fixed disability
payments from the Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA). By mid-month, the money
runs out. Food runs out. SNAP becomes the difference between dinner and nothing
at all. “SNAP is everything,” Saro told Military.com. “Without SNAP, we would
go hungry. We would not eat. We would not have food on the table. The boys
would not have what they need.” Saro said he once opened his refrigerator and
saw one onion. He tried to stretch food for as long as possible.
Experts say that many veterans
who qualify never apply, even though age, disability and fixed incomes put them
at higher risks for hunger. “I try not to let them see the struggle," Saro
said. "They lost their mother. I want them to focus on school. I want
their lives to feel normal.”
‘We Adapt. We Overcome.’ Saro
says Sen. John Ossoff (D-GA) called him personally after hearing his story. He
appreciated the conversation, but adds that phones do not fill stomachs. “We
adapt. We overcome. We persevere," Saro said. "That is what veterans
do. But this should not be happening in America. Not in the richest country in
the world.” He has one message for Congress. “Stop making our food a
talking point. Make it a priority.” In the meantime, he is preparing for
the worst. If November 1 comes with nothing in his account, he says the reality
is brutally simple: “We would not eat.”
SNAP Crisis Hits Veterans Veterans
groups and food banks are bracing for a surge. Fingers have been pointed
in Washington. The Department of Agriculture blames Senate Democrats while
Democrats say the Trump administration has the legal power to keep benefits
flowing. Veterans who rely on SNAP come from every age group and
background. More than a third are seniors. Forty-one percent have a disability.
Over one in three live in a household with children. (Source: Center on Budget
and Policy Priorities.) “We are approaching an inflection point for Senate
Democrats," a USDA spokesperson told Military.com. "Continue to hold
out for the far-left wing of the party or reopen the government so mothers,
babies and the most vulnerable among us can receive timely WIC [Special
Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children] and SNAP
allotments.” The VA told Military.com it could not answer SNAP-related
questions, referring all inquiries back to USDA. The Pentagon would not confirm
how many troops or military families receive SNAP. A Pentagon official told
Military.com, “Our service members will always be our priority, and we are
grateful to the many dedicated veteran and military service organizations that
provide our troops support.”
Stepping Up The Navy was
the only service at press time to respond to Military.com’s request for comment
on the expiring food assistance. A spokesperson said the shutdown affects every
branch and told families to use existing support programs. The Navy sent a link
to a resource page for sailors and their families during the shutdown,
including help with food, housing, counseling, child care, commissary updates
and emergency financial aid: The Armed Services YMCA said it is already
seeing early surges. Hot spots include Fort Hood, San Diego, Norfolk,
Alaska and other high-cost bases. Some sites moved from twice-monthly
distributions to weekly food pickups. Emergency financial help is being triaged
for families facing eviction and utility shutoffs.
Democrats: Trump Has the Money
Senate Democrats say USDA has the legal authority to continue SNAP during
the shutdown. Senator Patty Murray called it “outrageous” and accused
President Trump of trying to starve Americans by refusing to tap the
contingency fund. Her office said SNAP has billions in reserve funds that can
legally cover November benefits. Nonprofits are bracing for long lines,
shortages, and parents skipping meals.
^ Veterans and Military Soldiers
should NOT be held hostage by the Republicans and the Democrats.
The Federal Government was been
Shutdown for 29 days now - and there's
no end in sight - yet People are literally going to starve come November 1st
when the Money runs out.
Shame on every single Politician.
^
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