In 1962 the Wampanoag people and the Pilgrims of Plymouth partook in their harvest feast. This feast is why many families gather together every year with one another. We know November as the time to practice gratitude, give thanks and come together. There’s always news of celebrities donating or giving back to their communities. People engage in volunteer work opportunities that support their local food banks, soup kitchens or shelters. Being that this is the usual mode our society is in at this time of year, our government shutdown has launched us into a Thanksgiving season we are not prepared for.
An expired bill that would fund government services, if passed, was used by our Democratic party to address expiring tax credits. These credits would cut the cost of health care for Americans. There was also a request to reverse previous cuts made by Trump’s administration to Medicaid. These requests are what the Republican and Democratic parties must find a compromise that our President would agree to.
ASSISTANCE IS OFFLINE
Scott Horsley wrote on why grocery prices have increased and touched on how families have been scrambling to obtain food at affordable prices. The COVID-19 pandemic and our support in the Ukrainian War created the inflation that we are greeted by in grocery stores. Prices have increased while product quality has steadily declined. Families have been doing their best with the current obstacles stores have presented. Obtaining nutritious food became a stressful endeavor that seems to have no impending end.
On November 1st, 2025 SNAP funds would no longer be available if our government does not find a resolution. The BBC recently released an article which states 40 million Americans use these funds to feed themselves and their families. Without this funding many families will be entering this season of togetherness feeling abandoned.
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program helps families afford energy costs. Without this assistance, families that use propane or heating oil will be facing potential service cut offs if unable to pay their bills.
Many Americans will be facing financial challenges regarding feeding their families and keeping them warm.
DO WE HAVE A PLAN?
NBC News reported that 26 states have taken the lead in finding some temporary solutions for their constituents. Many governors have found state funding, declared state of emergencies or increased support of their food banks to meet the incoming food assistance demands. A lot of the plans are to address the issues as best as they can through November but there is hope the shutdown does not continue into December.
It seems as though we have been handed the altruistic opportunity to positively impact others who are in need. There are many options that can be pursued to help those in need this season. Whether it be donating canned goods to a local food drive or it could be volunteering at a local food pantry. It could be giving an online donation to support Feed America’s efforts. If you live near the Meriden, CT area you can donate jackets to Meriden Church of Christ for their winter clothes drive. Lastly, Connecticut Foodshare is asking for donations and volunteer help.
Just as the Wampanoag people saw the Pilgrims’ needs and taught them multiple survival skills. We can intervene and assist our neighbors through their current survival crisis.