20,000 signatures reached
To: Congress
Don't let Republicans cut food assistance for American families
Millions of families across the country struggle to put food on the table—and it’s been even harder since the pandemic-related boost to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) ended in March.
Republicans in Congress are demanding huge cuts to the budget—including programs millions of families rely on like SNAP—in return for their vote not to let the US default on its debt. But the reality is that if they’re concerned about spending, all they need to do is make corporations and billionaires pay their fair share of taxes! Is it too much to ask the corporations to stop charging so much for groceries and that the wealthy pay their fair share of taxes?
Tell Congress to keep their hands off SNAP!
Why is this important?
My name is Ruth. I’m a single mother in New Jersey, and I am writing to ask for your support as Republicans in Congress try to slash the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly called food stamps, which is a lifeline for myself and my three children.
A member survey by ParentsTogether Action found that 44% of parents can’t afford enough food for their families, and 37% of parents reported skipping meals so their kids could eat. More than half of those surveyed said that they now rely on food banks or similar services.
It’s frustrating to hear Republicans say they’ll let the US default on our debt and stop paying bills unless Democrats agree to their budget cuts that will slash away at lifesaving programs, when I know corporations and billionaires are not paying their fair share.
Rather than CUTTING essential benefits right now, Congress must strengthen SNAP (food stamps) benefits and stop the political attacks against this life-saving program. It’s unconscionable to cut funding and increase barriers to access, but Republican proposals would impose work requirements and time limits that would take away food assistance from millions of families —including some children and older workers.
The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities points out that “Justifications for work requirements rest on the false assumptions that people who receive benefits do not work and must be compelled to do so. These assumptions are rooted in stereotypes based on race, gender, disability status, and class. They ignore the realities of the low-paid labor market, the lack of child care and paid sick and family leave, how health and disability issues and the need to care for family members affect people’s lives, and ongoing labor market discrimination.”
Food is necessary for survival. It shouldn’t be used as a political tool.
Our families are counting on Congress to make sure no one is forced to go to bed hungry.