Shalom all
I write this article as the High Holidays are quickly approaching. I want to wish everyone a healthy and sweet Rosh HaShanah. Hoping this year 5787, will bring peace and good will to your family and the world.
I am writing about the difficult issues of food insecurities in our community and the impact of the federal cuts in SNAP ( Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program) on their participants. For clarification, SNAP is called Cal Fresh in California.
The cuts in SNAP are the result of the administration’s bill that was passed last year. As a result, the requirements to receive federal assistance for food have been severely tightened and limited starting this year. It is affecting millions of Californians who are facing increased expenses for food.
These cuts have had a huge effect on the food banks nationwide. They are now overwhelmed by the number of residents who can’t survive without their assistance. Food banks are meant to supplement people’s food supply. They weren’t established to be a primary provider of food sustenance for people.
Concurrently food banks also have also lost many federal grants and have had to rely on private fundraising for the last year.
We at Beth Ami have always been supportive of the Redwood Empire Food Bank by giving healthy food, volunteering, or with financial donations.
This year, during Yom Kippur, we will have our annual food drive for them. Please consider filling your bag with healthy protein items( (canned tuna or chicken, peanut butter etc) which are in great demand. Bags will be provided, Thanks so much.
The food bank serves many of our neighbors and reaches far and wide to help the community in these difficult times of high prices and food scarcity. The REFB appreciates any help. I do know that cash donations are highly valued because they can purchase large amounts of food for cheaper prices.
During the High Holy Days we review our actions of the last year. I hope that everyone who can will consider giving generously to the Redwood Empire Food Bank in your own way.
The Social Action Committee is committed to Tikun Olam and we thank everyone in the Beth Ami Kehilla for your efforts to make this world a better place for all.
B’Shalom , Shana Tova,
Lyla Nathan
