Letter to the editor: Food assistance

To the editor:

Receiving food assistance was never a personal goal. I have worked – full-time and part-time – for more than 30 years. It just so happens that I have several health issues that periodically impede me from being able to work at all.

I began receiving SNAP this January. I got help from Kansas Appleseed and DCF with paperwork completion and filing my application. Both organizations were immensely helpful. Documentation is one of my strong suits and, even with the assistance of these two agencies, the paperwork was quite daunting. The form was long, the list of required documents was extensive and there were glitches within the computer system which disallowed me from applying online.

These obstacles often keep others from receiving the help they need.

I personally know many people within our community who are struggling. Not having enough to eat is a very frightening feeling. Even with SNAP food dollars and the availability of several food pantries within Lawrence, there still aren’t enough resources for those in need. I can’t speak enough to how grateful I am to all of the people who have helped me during my current struggle.

Food assistance needs to be readdressed and reassessed. The U.S. Congress will be debating the merits of SNAP in the coming months as part of the Farm Bill. Kansans need to find better ways to support those in our community who most desperately need the help.

I’m advocating. What can you do?