American Catholics tell politicians to “Feed the Hungry”
June 21, 2018 ·
American Catholics tell politicians to “Feed the Hungry”
From:Faith in Public Life
Dear Catholic Senators and Representatives,
We write as faithful citizens who feel compelled to express our deep concern over proposed cuts and reckless changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, the nation’s most effective food assistance program. We hope you will stand up for SNAP in the farm bill as it advances.
As Catholics, you know that our Church’s social teaching calls us to serve the common good, and that the government has an important role to play in supporting our vulnerable neighbors. There is nothing pro-life about making it harder for parents to put food on the table for their children. Hunger is not a partisan issue. It’s a moral scandal that should disturb the conscience of everyone who cares about human dignity. As the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and Catholic Charities USA wrote in a joint public statement in April, “access to food is a fundamental right.”
As you know, SNAP is a vital lifeline for millions of struggling families. Most recipients are children, seniors, or people with disabilities. We hope will stand with other lawmakers and reject any partisan proposal that would cut SNAP benefits. Recent proposals would cut assistance by more than $20 billion over the next decade, diverting much of that money to enforce strict, untested work requirements programs that create red tape and carry harsh penalties. These penalties will hurt veterans, seniors over age 50, and the children of parents kicked off of SNAP. As you know, most people who receive food nutrition assistance and who are physically able to work already have jobs. According to Census data, more than one in four people who participate in SNAP and work would still fail to meet the proposed new requirements.
The dignity of work is central to Catholic teaching. However, an “economy of exclusion and inequality,” as Pope Francis describes it, creates systems of structural injustice that prevent many from finding jobs that pay living wages. Even for those who do find work, the reality of insufficient pay, lack of benefits and temporary employment still trap many in poverty.
We pray that in your deliberations you will remember these words from Pope Francis: “I beg the Lord to grant us more politicians who are genuinely disturbed by the state of society, the people, the lives of the poor.” In keeping with these words, which are rooted in centuries of Church teaching, we hope you will continue to defend struggling Americans by steadfastly opposing immoral and ineffective changes to SNAP in any farm bill.
