Political Gumbo: Time to Stand Up Again

No need for creative leads or punchy, sarcastic openings on this one, although that was kind of punchy.

The City must take steps to make sure that hundreds if not thousands of local residents, including school age children are not forced into food insecurity.

Residents receiving food stamps have received notices that they may not receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in November if the government shutdown continues.

That means across the country, 42 million low-income families won’t receive food stamps.

In other words, we are staring down a disaster.

The end of benefits could force families to make near-impossible decisions between food, rent, medicine and utilities that could have long and dire repercussions.

Yes, there is a bill in the Senate that would continue SNAP funds.

Seriously, at this point can we really depend on these simps to be the solution to the problem?

Councilmember Justin Jones now is calling for a special or emergency meeting of the City Council to bring together local food banks, nonprofit leaders, philanthropic organizations, and city staff to coordinate a clear and compassionate response to rising food costs and prepare for the potential end of federal food aid.

That’s a good start.

And absolutely it should happen.

The Pasadena Unified School District has to be part of that discussion. It’s cliche, but worth repeating that no child should go to bed hungry.

According to MSN, the lack of food assistance can exacerbate poverty and food insecurity, particularly for individuals with disabilities, who already face higher rates of poverty and food insecurity.

The broader economy will also feel the brunt of the end of SNAP benefits, which will impact the purchasing power of low-income families, which can lead to reduced demand for goods and services.

In other words, local benefits and the City’s overall economy will take a hit.

While our local elected officials cannot impact the shutdown, they can in fact provide alternative programs through food banks and local charities.

Yes, the City has been through a lot this year.

Many are still displaced from the fire, and for them, the battle to return home continues.

But the fire and COVID before it, has provided us lessons.

Perhaps the biggest one is Pasadena is a resilient and compassionate City.

And once again, it is time for that compassion to come front and center.

Yes already we have received phone calls blaming the left and the right.

Save it.

We can place blame for the shutdown during the midterm elections.

Right now, it’s time to take care of people.