OPINION: When basic needs are threatened, communities must rise together

Sinceree Dixon with the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin calls for community solidarity and action as SNAP benefits are expected to lapse.

As a single mother of two, there was a time in my life that I relied on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to keep food on the table. I worked hard, often holding two jobs. I regularly submitted income reports to the state, as required, because safeguards exist to ensure accountability. Income reports are one of the many measures in place to make sure benefits are going to those who are eligible and those who need them most.

Despite misinformation, food stamp fraud is largely exaggerated and often rooted in racist and other harmful stereotypes, disproportionately impacting women of color. The majority of working-age SNAP recipients hold a job, but, due to a broken system, even those who work full-time remain financially vulnerable. 

Due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, FoodShare benefits in Wisconsin are expected to lapse on Nov. 1. Today, more than 700,000 Wisconsin residents depend on SNAP to feed themselves and their families. Over 270,000 of them are children. These are our neighbors, co-workers, and loved ones. They live in every corner of our state, and their well-being reflects the health of our communities. 

This disruption will affect households that are already struggling to stay afloat. Across the country, more than 42 million people rely on SNAP to help meet basic nutritional needs. Among them are veterans, seniors, working parents, and children. Hunger should never be used as leverage in political disputes. Access to food is a matter of basic human dignity and an inalienable right. 

We must pay close attention to the priorities of our government, the decisions regarding the allocation of funding demonstrate a blatant disregard for the care of the citizens of our country. When government systems fail, communities must rise. Now is the time to look out for one another by donating to food pantries, supporting mutual aid networks, volunteering, and checking in on neighbors who may be struggling in silence. 

Food insecurity plagued Americans for years with ever rising grocery prices and stagnant wages; now the news of a lapse in SNAP benefits has only made things more bleak. However, it is something we can overcome if we act with compassion, care, and a sense of urgency. We must rise up now to bring awareness and look out for each other. Let us remember that we thrive the most when we come together—it takes a village. We must also hold our elected officials accountable. Our guiding democratic principles call on our government to be of the people, by the people, and for the people.

Related: 2 Wisconsin Head Start programs to close amid shutdown, many more at risk