When I think about the evil decision to cut SNAP benefits for millions of Americans, my next thought is the scene in The Hunger Games where Peeta and Katniss attend a banquet where they learn about the concoction that the elite use to vomit so they can continue to gorge themselves on delicacies.
Both are deeply disturbed by the shocking contrast with their experiences with hunger in their home district. It is a powerful critique of food distribution, but it is almost swept away in the movies.
Still, the scene resonates with me.
As neighbors rush to stock food pantries (including our own pet food pantry), we are leaning into the mutual aid that offers genuine relief from deprivation.
Technically, taxes are public money that combined should alleviate social ills. I can buy items at the store, I can donate cash to a food bank that can multiple it, or I can invest in a social distribution system built on values like respect, reducing food waste, nutrition, health, dignity, and equity. It is possible to feed everyone and still enjoy luxury food items. We have enough food to do that.
The more involved I am with mutual aid, the more I realize that things like dumpster diving aren’t just for amusement or even survival – there’s the element of minimizing waste that benefits the entire community. If we could avoid the dumpster and get the excess food to where it belongs OR reduce the excess food generated, that’s a win/win.
Cutting SNAP is bad enough, but the agony of dragging out the “will they/won’t they” funding issues is a higher order cruelty. How much public money has been spent on this debate and the legal maneuvers? Not enough to fund SNAP, but enough to make us realize that the point has never been to adequately feed everyone. The point has been to create room, metaphorically in the stomach, for more food.
Today, a friend reached out to ask me about my food security. Right now, it is okay in part due to generosity of my friends. I didn’t feel bad that he asked me – I felt supported and valued. The belief that I deserve to be food secure is quite right.
Our pet food pantry registration is growing daily – over 18% growth in under two weeks. We are now struggling to find volunteer drivers to deliver once a month. We are, of course, seeking more donations of food.
It is important that we all contribute to food security supports right now. But let’s keep our eye on the larger prize. Millions of Americans, nearly 13% of the population, many of whom work FT need SNAP to feed their families. That’s mortifying for us, the general population.
It is not their shame to carry. It is ours.
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