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Contributed commentary by state Rep. Ronnie Glynn on helping families who rely on SNAP benefits:
I am writing with extreme concern for the citizens of Montgomery County. Families who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) have lost access to food assistance as of Nov. 1. This included children, disabled and the elderly. Funding for other vital programs such as Supplemental Nutrition Programs for Women Infants (WIC), school meal programs, and Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) were also affected.
Our community coming together has never been greater. As an elected official, in coordination with the Salvation Army, Fort Campbell, and Clarksville Area Ministerial Alliance (CAMA), I want to bring the community together to help our most vulnerable citizens. I ask that we step up and do everything we can do within our means to ensure that our nearly 9,000 households and over 22,000 individuals can put food on the table. Our community, who relies on these benefits, should not suffer the consequences of a broken government; we have the resources and means to intervene.
The average family receives $300 to $350 a month in SNAP benefits to put food on the table. I am asking our over 250 faith-base churches and over 250 industry partners to contribute $1,000 to help feed the community of SNAP recipients. All funds received will be donated through the Salvation Army for tracking purposes and placed on the gift card. Those monies received will be placed on a gift card from our local grocery stores around the community for the recipients to utilize. Along with volunteers and other community partners, we will distribute these cards to SNAP recipients only.
The time to act is now. Choosing to stand idly by while children go hungry is not who we are. While there will be plenty of time to place blame, we have an opportunity to rise above it all and serve our community. We can show the rest of the state what it looks like when a community comes together to serve each other. You may donate at this link provided by the Salvation Army.
In the initial round, families will be able to receive gift cards at a site designated by the Salvation Army on Saturday, Nov. 15. We encourage donations prior to Thursday Nov. 13 for the initial round, and by Nov. 25 for the second round.
State Rep. Ronnie Glynn