The Preamble of the US Constitution is 52 words in length, but its general theme is very much like the four-word line from the Hippocratic Oath for doctors: “First, do no harm.”
It makes clear that the federal government established through the Constitution provides many things to ensure domestic tranquility, including taking up the responsibility to “promote the general welfare.” In today’s America, that includes ensuring the American people can afford to eat.
Approximately 1.8 million New York City residents — nearly a quarter of the entire population — benefit from the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The recipients are among the most vulnerable people in the city, living on low incomes and struggling daily to make ends meet in a city that constantly grows ever more expensive in which to dwell.
SNAP benefits are a necessity, not a luxury, for these New Yorkers. Without this assistance, entire families would fall into hunger.
Amid the ongoing federal government shutdown, the US Department of Agriculture has announced that it will cease providing SNAP benefits as of Saturday, Nov. 1, because it claims to no longer have the funds to do so.
The agency, under the direction of the Trump White House, scapegoats Congressional Democrats for “letting” this happen while the administration spends $40 billion for aid to farmers in Argentina; hundreds of millions of dollars on a new White House ballroom; and millions more on abducting law-abiding immigrants from courtrooms.
But there is no more funding for SNAP? Please!
With the threat of SNAP funding being cut off, New York state is doing what it can to preserve as many benefits as possible and keep low-income New Yorkers from starving. Food banks are also gearing up for the anticipated deluge of people who will lose their SNAP benefits, coming in search of food to place on their families’ tables.
Small businesses will suffer too from the elimination of SNAP funding. Bodegas and grocery stores that accept SNAP EBT (electronic benefit transfer) payments will lose a reliable source of income. Some shops may wind up closing or reducing their staff.
It need not be this way. Washington politicians need to quit playing games and keep SNAP funding. With the shutdown nearly a month old, who knows when that call will be heeded.
Contact your local Congress member, regardless of party affiliation. Tell them to step up to save SNAP funding and help New Yorkers avoid hunger.
Also, we encourage you to donate to a local food bank, or a pantry operated by a local house of worship. Cash donations and goods are welcome. Many food banks need volunteers; this would be a great opportunity to give them your time, especially if you are unable to donate any other resources.
Let us live up to the standards set forth in the Preamble of the Constitution, and let us demonstrate that we can “promote the general welfare” when no one else will.
