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Jordan Wood is the former chief of staff to U.S. Rep. Katie Porter, vice president of End Citizens United, and founder of democracyFIRST. He is running in the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate in Maine.
Visitors to our state often think our unofficial slogan — “The way life should be” — reflects Maine’s peace and beauty. However, for Mainers, it embodies our strong sense of community and generosity. In times of crisis, like the current challenges facing low-income families due to cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), we must remember our values. We step up to support our neighbors and do not turn our backs on each other.
Growing up in Lewiston, my parents regularly took the whole family to volunteer at the soup kitchen at Trinity Jubilee Center. When we moved to Gardiner so my dad could serve as the pastor of the First Baptist Church, my parents helped open a weekly soup kitchen to feed families in need. Before I graduated from high school at St. Dom’s in Auburn, I spent my academic quarter as a full-time volunteer at the food distribution warehouse for the Good Shepherd Food Bank.
These experiences taught me the devastating reality that Maine has the highest rate of childhood hunger across New England and that tens of thousands of low-income families in Maine live with food insecurity. However, they also showed me that in communities across our state, local food banks and the volunteers who run them always step up when people need help.
This year, President Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress cut $187 billion from the SNAP program, which helps families put food on the table. Additionally, the Trump administration is delaying distribution of this month’s food benefits. Even after a judge ruled that they are legally required to pay it, they will only release a portion of the funds. These cuts are unacceptable.
It’s unfair and not representative of who we are as Mainers or Americans. These cuts will devastate many Maine families, especially during a challenging time of year. Heating oil prices are high, and grocery costs continue to rise. No one should have to choose between keeping their home warm and feeding their children.
Earlier this year, our campaign launched the “Dirigo, We Lead, We Feed” program, a food and fundraising drive to support community food banks during this crisis. In addition to these donations, I’m proud to announce that my husband and I will donate $100,000 this year directly to small and medium-sized community food banks and large-scale food distribution centers across the state.
While Washington dysfunction leaves families hungry, the people of Maine are stepping up for our communities and helping our neighbors live life as it should be.
