BATH TWP., Mich. (WLNS) – Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II made a visit to Bathtub Tuesday, placing a highlight on meals insecurity in Michigan.
A number of native leaders gathered to push again in opposition to current proposals to slash funding at no cost college meals and demanding meals packages that help hundreds of households throughout the state.
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Meals banks in Mid-Michigan instructed 6 Information the group wants them now greater than ever. Jim Donaldson with the First Presbyterian Church Meals Pantry says they’re completely overwhelmed with demand.
“We’ve been around 50 years serving the community, but it’s never been this busy before, and it’s going to be busier yet with food stamps being cut,” stated Donaldson, who serves as Vice Chairman of the pantry’s board. “The necessity is stronger than ever. The provides usually are not practically as a lot as what we’d like”.
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Over at Higher Lansing Meals Financial institution, Lt. Gov. Gilchrist echoed an analogous sentiment throughout Tuesday’s spherical desk.
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“Just here in the Lansing area, in the seventh congressional district, we know that at least 30,000 households currently use SNAP,” stated Gilchrist.
Gilchrist says the proposed finances lower of practically $300 billion over 10 years will go away many Michiganders hungry and dying quicker.
“What federal government decision is worth a hungry kid?” stated Gilchrist.
The proposed modifications to SNAP embrace shifting a lot of the monetary accountability onto the states. That’s one thing Alex Canepa with the Truthful Meals Community and Double Up Meals Bucks Michigan says will harm everybody.
“If the state of Michigan has to assume 25% of the burden of paying for this program, that could blow a $1 billion hole in the state’s budget,” stated Canepa.
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In Mid-Michigan, practically 100,000 neighbors face meals insecurity, in line with the Higher Lansing Meals Financial institution. The group claims to have served 11 million meals final 12 months.
“Who does this assist and who does this hurt?” stated Gilchrist. “It is very clear that this is forcing more people into hunger”.
Gilchrist says Tuesday’s occasion is a name to motion for lawmakers like Congressman Tom Barrett to rethink their votes.
A spokesperson for the congressman responded to issues across the proposed cuts, saying, “SNAP benefits are not being cut. Every eligible family will continue receiving the help they need. Congress is simply adding modest work, volunteer, job training, or education requirements for adults with school-aged children, common-sense steps that promote opportunity while keeping the safety net strong.”
