Today, is a very sad and difficult day at Adoption ARC for many of our birth families who depend on SNAP benefits. SNAP means Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. At present, tomorrow, on November 1, 2025, SNAP benefits will halt.
In Pennsylvania, nearly two million people rely on SNAP benefits to help feed their families. In New Jersey over 800,000 of us receive this aid and in Delaware 118,000 receive the assistance. With the government shut-down, millions of our friends and neighbors will not be able to manage their food insecurity. This is a travesty in a country where we are considered a “First World “power. A first world country is a wealthy, industrialized country with a strong infrastructure. However, many argue that in the United States, the ever-increasing high cost of living, lack of healthcare for all, and immense wealth disparity are more in line with a developing nation.
How can we not care for the most vulnerable of us? We are a country formed by the people for the people. Now, the government will not endure that the people will be able to feed themselves or their children. Several of our birth families have reached out for assistance during this anticipated difficult time. As a nonprofit, Adoption ARC is able to accept donations in the form of food gift cards to Target, Walmart or area grocery starts for those in need. Our first line of assistance is to refer people to food banks or local religious organizations which provide food. However, these places simply do not have the ability to give assistance to all the anticipated new recipients. According to CBS news in Philadelphia, many food pantries admitted to serving more people now than during the pandemic and this is before the end of the SNAP benefits.
Unfortunately, undocumented immigrants are completely ineligible for SNAP benefits. This makes providing food for their sustenance almost impossible.
If you want to help, Adoption ARC is happy to disburse gift cards and assistance to our birth families in need. Other ways that we can help is through donating nonperishable items to the food banks and even volunteering time if you are able.
Adoption ARC will continue to serve our community and advocate for the most vulnerable. We are available 24/7 for any birth families who are considering adoption service at:
1-800-884-4004 or www.adoptionarc.com
