Georgia bishops: don’t cut domestic, international food aid

November 18, 2013

In an op-ed piece that appeared in the Savannah Morning News, Georgia’s bishops urged Congress not to enact funding cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), popularly known as food stamps.

“The Catholic Church runs many food pantries and other programs that help the hungry,” said Archbishop Wilton Gregory of Atlanta and Bishop Gregory Hartmayer of Savannah. “However, all the food pantries out there are not going to be able to fill the hole that cuts to SNAP will leave. This is why the Catholic Church has joined other faith communities in opposing changes to SNAP that would result in cuts that harm the poor and vulnerable.”

The prelates also called upon Congress to resist proposals to cut international food aid.

“There are too many people these days with a knee-jerk reaction against programs that help the hungry, whether in the U.S. or overseas,” the bishops wrote. “We would ask these people to really listen to those in need — to hear the hungry. The hungry are not seeking help because they want to, but because they have to. They are desperately seeking the dignity and honor that comes from providing for themselves and their families, but need a little help to get through these tough times. They are our brothers and sisters and we must answer their call.”

 

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Further information:

• Catholic bishops: The hungry need to be heard (Savannah Morning News)