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Food is a human right. This non-negotiable value guides our work at Pinnacle Prevention and drives our commitment to building a world where quality food is available to all of us. We know that the system in which we currently live and operate is not designed this way. As we reflect on the impact of the first lapse in SNAP benefits in history, the gaps are even more glaring. From the unnecessary fear, panic, and hunger, to the disruptions to our local economies; the crisis highlighted how essential SNAP is in reducing food insecurity, how vital it is as an economic driver…AND how unprepared our system is to respond to this type of loss and threat.
What is needed to create more resiliency? Can we ensure “food is a human right” becomes a reality? These are hard and uncomfortable questions to ask. In the response, we heard a lot of narrative around “just send people to the food banks” or “just fundraise”. And though these efforts provide significant support, they inevitably fall short. The foodbanks alone cannot be the single solution in a large and complex food system to offset the billion-dollar SNAP investment. We cannot simply crowdsource and expect philanthropy to meet the moment and need when government is failing to respond. In a way, it feels like taking a bucket to five-alarm fire. The lines were just too long. The SNAP lapse also cast light on the reality that these long lines exist in a country with so much abundance.
And yet, despite these shortcomings, we witnessed our greatest strength, the power of community. Overnight, we saw a wave of people coming together to create a circle of care. Many organized quickly to demand that our political institutions respond to the people impacted most. Responding to the moment also meant infusing resources (both financial and human) into our system, leveraging our Double Up Food Bucks Arizona network and in the swift creation of the temporary “Food Bucks Now” program. These responses could not have been executed without many hands and trusted relationships.
There were also those in the community in positions of power and privilege who met this call. Our response could not have been possible without an investment through the Arizona Governor’s office and without generous donations from partners, such as Mercy Care who have been longtime contributors to food system transformation in Arizona. We also were humbled to meet new individual donors, such as the Fullmer Family who moved us deeply in their call to leadership and service, simply because they ‘get it’ and care for community. We witnessed countless farmers markets, farmers, and corner stores rise to the moment and not only ensured families got access to “Food Bucks” but also supplemented their offerings with additional access to food. We saw the power of voice and advocacy shine in our friend and partner, Elyse Guidas with Activate Food Arizona. And to the entire Double Up Food Bucks Arizona network – how lucky are we to be in
partnership with all of you! We are still processing and moved to tears by how community shows up for each other.
And, we know, the loss and impact were deeper than we could begin to fully understand. For all those who stood in line, we know so many were unable. In our processing we are reflecting on lessons learned and reimagining what needs to shift. Unfortunately, during all the stress and chaos, many of us were fielding ugly rhetoric and narratives about SNAP. As a collective, we must all work to shift the narrative around SNAP and the stigma around support. We know the majority of individuals participating in SNAP are working families with children, older adults, and individuals or caregivers of individuals with disabilities. Incidence of fraud or misuse in the program is extremely low at less than 1%. The application process is onerous and on average, households have to recertify every 6-12 months. Most are only participating in the program for a year or less. SNAP is also good for local economies as every dollar invested in SNAP generates approximately $1.50-$1.80 in economic activity resulting in more jobs and keep grocery stores open and farmers paid. Though SNAP is not the only solution to shift the system, we cannot build upward without the foundation it provides.
As we repair what was disrupted, reach out to those impacted, and plan for a more resilient future, we focus on the work of building a better system. We want to see elected officials engage food system partners, and demand that community voice leads a long-term plan and future policy to challenge the current system, identify gaps, and invest in our food system in ways that uplift local economies while honoring choice and dignity. We want real and bold policy solutions, not finger pointing, blame, or othering at the expense of people. We want food to be a human right. To get there, we will need a just food system.
Join us in reimagining together. Author Johann Hari is credited with saying “The opposite of addiction isn’t sobriety – it’s connection.” The phrase invites us to consider the human needs and root causes – not just a focus on the individual.
At Pinnacle Prevention, we believe that the opposite of hunger isn’t just a meal – it’s a just food system. As we move to feed and care for our neighbors, we also invite you to keep the system in mind. Together, we can create a world without hunger and where we are all thriving together.
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