The seasons and reasons for giving

While Democrats across the country celebrated their election night victory this week, millions of people—undoubtedly some of them their supporters—remained hungry. Uncertain. Scared and perhaps verging on hopeless.

There remains work to be done.

Federal judges ordered the Trump administration to start funding the Supplemental Nuttrtion Assisstance Program, which provides financial aid to moderate and low income Americans in need of food.

In response federal officials did make money available to the SNAP program, which President Trump halted because of the ongoing government shutdown, but only partially.

In other words not everyone who is supposed to get money to help them buy groceries will receive assistance and those that do will only receive part of what they usually do.

Last weekend marked the first round of payments that would be missed by moms and dads who rely on the money to help feed their kids. There’s no telling when the partial payouts will get to them.

Fortunately there are orgainzations and individuals stepping in to fill the gaps and ease the hunger pangs.
Southwestern College just recently wrapped up a fundraiser to help stock the Jag Kitchen and Pantry, with contributions being matched by Cal Coast Credit Union. But an opportunity to give remains as on Nov. 21 the public is invited to donate non-perishable food to the kitchen and pantry and in return learn about the college’s basic needs student survey while enjoying complimentary donuts and coffee.

The event is from 8 a.m. to noon in the Student Union Building on the Chula Vista campus.

Away from the college SBCS, formerly Southbay Community Services, is hosting a number of food and donation drives for the holidays, starting with food drive that runs through Nov. 18.

Donors are asked to fill one or more grocery bags with instant mashed potatoes, instant stuffing, canned green beans, canned corn, gravy mix, and egg noodles and drop them off between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. at 318 Fourth Ave. in Chula Vista. For more email impact@csbcs.org