We want to share with you about a national program that is helping to fight hunger right here in our community. That program is called SNAP – the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. SNAP provides financial assistance to help individuals and families afford to keep food on the table. Two-thirds of SNAP participants are kids, older adults and people with disabilities.

Food is our fuel. It’s how we have energy to move through the day and nourishment to sleep well at night. It’s how kids can stay focused in school, how older adults stay healthy, and how all of us thrive. Without adequate access to food, people experience increased stress and decreased energy. We are physically less able to accomplish daily tasks and contribute to society. And yet, sometimes money falls short, and food feels out of reach.

If you’ve been there, you know. And if you haven’t been there, take a moment and imagine what that must feel like: how stressful it would be to not know where your next meal will come from, where your children’s next meals will come from. That’s why there’s SNAP. SNAP means that fewer of our neighbors have to worry about where their next meal is coming from. SNAP means that more children can thrive where they live, learn and play. SNAP means that older adults don't have to choose between their meals and their medicine. SNAP means that families impacted by natural disasters can recover more quickly.

On top of all of that, SNAP benefits contribute to our economy–generating between $1.50 and $1.80 in economic activity for every dollar spent on SNAP in a weakened economy. At the end of the day, SNAP is a vital resource in our community, helping our neighbors when they need it most, boosting local businesses and lifting families out of poverty. So, the next time you hear someone talking about SNAP, make sure they know the power of the program: SNAP feeds our community.

Visit www.snapfeeds.us to learn more.