During the December holidays, many of us will be joining in family festivities where food is plentiful, but far too many of our friends and neighbors will not be so lucky.
In fact, an estimated 51 million Americans do not know where their next meal will come from. In New Jersey, food pantries and soup kitchens graciously provide food for families in need. These organizations literally save lives and should be commended for their good works. Yet, the fact remains that many of the beneficiaries of these services likely qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides regular payments from the federal government for families to purchase food. Each month, this program ensures that over 41 million Americans do not go hungry; however, a significant number of Garden State residents, who are eligible to receive benefits, currently do not.
Before sitting down to our family feasts this holiday season, we should consider those around us who lack the resources to put food on the table. By both directly donating food and urging state officials to increase the number of eligible citizens who receive SNAP benefits, we can all work towards the goal of eradicating hunger.
Jessica Cheng
AARP Advocacy Volunteer
Cranbury