It’s shameful. It’s unlawful. And it’s 100% preventable.

The current occupant of the White House is trying to defy a court order and refusing to fully fund SNAP during the shutdown HE and Republicans created.

He is literally weaponizing hunger to harm our families — to starve babies, to starve veterans, to starve our neighbors. The cruelty is the point.

People need relief now. So while I continue pushing to end Republicans’ shameful government shutdown and get SNAP funds out the door, I want to share three ways we can all help fight hunger in our communities during this man-made crisis.

Use this tool from Feeding America to find a food bank near you, and take action to support them:

1. Sign up to volunteer: We need all hands on deck to feed our communities. Go to your local food bank’s website or social media pages to learn how to volunteer.
2. Donate money: Donating money often stretches further for local nonprofits and allows them to fill specific needs.
3. Drop off a food donation: On your next trip to the grocery store, buy a few extra of in-demand goods like canned food, pantry staples, hearty soups, and personal hygiene items.

Your local food bank may prioritize different items, so be sure to check their websites or social accounts to see what their current needs are.

When we band together like this, we choose community over chaos.

But it’s outrageous that we’ve been put in this position.

By refusing to fully fund SNAP, the Trump administration could cause 100,000 households in the Massachusetts 7th to go hungry. The administration could also cause many of the retailers families rely on to go under — pushing local, small businesses and farmers out of business, destroying local economies, and leaving communities without an essential resource.

I’ve heard directly from my constituents about what they are enduring and how it has impacted their families, and I’ve convened SNAP-dependent food retailers to call attention to this crisis for our communities. The hurt and harm is undeniable.

I will keep urging Republicans to end this emergency that they’ve manufactured. And I’m grateful to have your support.

In solidarity,

Ayanna