Across our state and nation, children, families, seniors and folks working hard each day are facing a cruel truth: the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) - the key food-safety net for millions - is in jeopardy. We are hearing that tens of millions of Americans will not receive November benefits because of a protracted funding stalemate in Washington.
No child should go hungry. No parent should wonder how the groceries will be paid for. Yet we find ourselves at a crossroads where government stall-games risk turning hunger into an emergency. As people of faith, rooted in values of compassion, justice and community, we must issue this clear call: our elected leaders must sit down, talk with one another, negotiate in good faith - and do their job in ensuring every family has food on the table.
While urging those in the halls of power to act, we also know that our congregations, our churches and our faith communities can and must step in now. To all the churches across Oklahoma: please consider strengthening or starting a food-bank ministry or partner with your local food pantry. Even more: hold a fundraising drive rather than simply collecting canned goods. Why? Because your local pantry can purchase nutritious food in bulk and stretch every dollar far further than individual grocery shopping. A dollar given to the pantry often means many more meals for our neighbors.
Imagine a special Sunday when your offering is designated for your local pantry. Imagine your youth group, your religious education class, your hospitality team setting a goal: “$1 feeds a child today.” Let that become a concrete teaching moment: we don’t wait - when children are hungry, we act.
When one of us is hungry, we are all diminished. When we work together - calling our government to responsible action and our houses of worship to immediate service - we witness that dignity restored and community strengthened.
Let us be both advocates and neighbors, sure that our politicians talk until they act, and that our churches act while we wait. Because when children are fed, and when we don’t let hunger be a bargaining chip, our entire community is nourished - body, soul, and spirit.
With deep gratitude for your service and solidarity,
Tim Atkins
President, Oklahoma Faith Network
