Meanwhile in Washington ... Food Assistance threatened for thousands

Guest blogger: Lisa Klingenmeier, Maryland Hunger Solutions

The Farm Bill proposal passed on July 12 by the House Agriculture Committee slashes funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, called Food Supplement Program in Maryland) by $16 billion over ten years. It does this mainly by restricting states’ ability to implement broad-based Categorical Eligibility (Cat EL) and “heat and eat” – two ways to coordinate SNAP with other low-income programs. By cutting Cat El, thousands of Marylanders would lose their SNAP benefits.

To show the widespread support for SNAP, Maryland Hunger Solutions is coordinating daily drop offs of Paper Apples bearing the message, "SNAP Works" to the district offices of Representatives Van Hollen and Hoyer during the week of August 13-17.

About the Paper Apple Campaign

Maryland Hunger Solutions began its Paper Apple Campaign in 2011 as a way to gather voices in support of SNAP and other programs that are central to creating a healthy, hunger-free Maryland. The campaign has collected hundreds of Paper Apples from people struggling with food insecurity, service providers, the Governor and other leaders across the state.

How To Participate

Fill out the apples! You can  print out a blank the apple above. Cut it out and add a personal message explaining why you support SNAP and how you’ve seen SNAP working in your community.

• You can mail the completed apples to Maryland Hunger Solutions at 400 E. Pratt Street, Suite 606, Baltimore, MD 21202.
• Take pictures of yourself and others holding paper apples with the message "SNAP Works.”On Twitter, you can tweet @MarylandHunger and use the hashtag #SNAPworks. Sample messages: 
• Hey @ChrisVanHollen @WhipHoyer I agree with @MarylandHunger: #SNAPworks support SNAP!
• Post your picture on your Facebook wall and tag Maryland Hunger Solutions. Sample message: Join me and Maryland Hunger Solutions in letting Reps Van Hollen and Hoyer know that SNAP Works.

Not social media savvy? Email pictures to Laura Flamm and she will post them during the week of August 13-17 on Maryland Hunger Solutions’ social media outlets.