Our Daily Bread

Surviving the government shutdown without SNAP

Still Life with Flowers and Fruit (1869)

No federal food aid will go out after November 1st.

SNAP benefits are in danger, and this affects my household directly. I know that it’s risky to rely on the government to take care of me. That’s why I seek the kingdom of God first. I surrender all my cares to God. If this is a trial of faith, then I don’t want to fail it.

I’m not among the people who will be most in danger of going hungry. My overworked counselors are prioritizing clients with disabilities that prevent them from going out to food pantries. I can imagine a working single mother would have a lot of difficulty going to a food pantry too.

My mom and I will be okay, by the grace of God. I’m looking for work, and I’m very good at participating in employment programs. I proved that when I earned some money last year. I also ended up in the hospital last year, but that doesn’t have to happen again.

My belief is that God will take care of my family.

I pray for the other families that will be left to seek food on their own. I pray for the people working for no pay, who were furloughed or laid off. I pray for the volunteers and organizers of the food pantries that will help people during this difficult season. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.