Millions of American children are deprived of food. The Republican Party has exacerbated the situation by reducing funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

In the heart of America, a growing concern surrounds the future of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), a crucial tool in combating child hunger. The GOP-led Senate has proposed cuts to SNAP, a move that could have significant negative effects on families with children.

The SNAP program has been instrumental in providing food security for millions of American children. For every meal the nation's network of food banks and pantries provides, SNAP provides nine. However, with the proposed cuts, experts worry hunger will spike to levels that can't be met by charitable giving.

The increased cost of food, a trend that started with President Trump's inauguration, has stretched community food banks and pantries to capacity. More than 13 million children in America experience food insecurity, which is nearly 20% of all children in the United States.

The issue of food insecurity is not just a statistic. It affects every aspect of children's growth and development, including bone and muscle growth, brain development, and learning new skills. Healthy fats and nutrients are vital for brain development and learning new skills, and vitamins A and C boost immune systems in the prevention of infections and disease.

In Asheville and Western North Carolina, the region is still recovering from the devastation of Tropical Storm Helene, which destroyed key infrastructure of farmlands, grocery stores, and the headquarters and warehouse of the Mountain Area Nutritional Needs Alliance (MANNA) FoodBank. The area is familiar with food access hardships, and the proposed cuts to SNAP could exacerbate these issues.

Two renowned contributors to the discussion on this matter are Donna A. Gaffney, a nurse, psychotherapist, and author, and Teri Mills, a retired Adult Nurse Practitioner and former president of the National Nursing Network Organization. Gaffney and Mills, along with others, highlight the impact of food insecurity on children's development and health.

A children's book, "Lulu and the Hunger Monster," also sheds light on the issue of food insecurity in America. The book, written by Pamela Haskins, tells the story of a child who struggles with hunger and the emotional toll it takes.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. health official who chaired the "Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA) commission, identified poor diet as a contributor to childhood chronic diseases. Despite this, Kennedy remained silent during the discussion and voting on H.B. 1 in the GOP-led Senate.

As the nation grapples with the potential impacts of SNAP cuts, it's crucial to remember the lasting effects food insecurity can have on children's health and development. The original article appeared on Asheville Citizen Times.

Millions of American children are deprived of food. The Republican Party has exacerbated the situation by reducing funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).