Dear Editor, The new administration has now cut billions of dollars from food stamps (SNAP) in the budget. This is cruel. This will take food away from the hungry, including children and senior citizens. We have a government out to starve its own people, take medical care away from the sick and perpetrate other evils. They must be stopped. According to our state legislators, Illinois cannot possibly make up for the billions taken away. Non-profit food pantries will be stretched to their limits. In 2023, 13.8 million children lived in households that experienced food insecurity, up 3.2 percent from 2022, according to the Food Research and Action Center (frac.org). Taking billions out of food assistance will worsen these already intolerable numbers. Where will these people go? Possibly many will go begging on the streets or turn to worse to support their families. This in a country that used to claim to be generous and compassionate. Why are they doing this? Because they believe that most (maybe all) the recipients are scamming the system. Even if true, their sledge hammer approach affects everyone indiscriminately. Instead investigate what the real situation is. Improve the vetting process. Don't hurt the needy. They should visit soup kitchens such as the one where I volunteered and note the number of people for whom the meal we served was the only meal they had that day. We must stop this outrage to humanity. If you have any compassion, please, please contact your congressman as soon as possible and demand that he/she work to roll back these cruel, un-American cuts.
Anthony Buttitta
Des Plaines
Des Plaines
Anthony Buttitta is a 21-year resident from Des Plaines. He enjoys the sense of community that comes from being close to people and supporting local, independent businesses. Success comes from maintaining a positive, confident attitude and trusting in God.
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