Food stamps, an assistance program enacted in the 60s, helps more than 40 million Americans afford groceries. For many, this is the factor that determines whether a kid gets to eat that day. Trump’s budget cuts the program by more than 25%. That’s about 10 million fellow Americans who will be going to bed hungry.
In an article for Christianity Today, Christian writer and mother DL Mayfield tells the story of a time in her life when the WIC (women, infants, and children) program was the reason she could afford baby formula after her daughter was born prematurely. This experience shaped her spiritual journey and led her to strongly believe that it’s the duty of both the public and private sectors to provide for the vulnerable. Mayfield wrote that, ironically, it was often those with the least resources who were willing to share the most.
“I have had neighbors with very little extra cash sneak my children candy bars and dollar bills when I wasn’t looking. And I have been showered with gifts, both big and small, by people I was taught had somehow made the wrong choices,” she said in her article.
“Neighbor-love, focused on the most vulnerable, is one of the most defining characteristics of a society of people who long to follow God.”
Food is a human right, not a privilege. However you approach it – spiritually, morally, neighborly love – ensuring this is our responsibility.
For more help understanding the impact of Trump’s proposed budget, Vox gives us the scoop.
