Tell Congress about the need for food aid: Opinion by the Rev. Christine Stoxen

The following article by Rev. Christine Stoxen appeared in The Chandler Arizonan on June 22, 2025, in advance of the House of Representatives’ vote on H.R. 1, aka the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act. Rev. Stoxen serves of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Chandler. AZ.

James 2:15-16 "If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, 'Go in peace, be warmed and filled, without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?"

As Christians, we are called to love and care for our neighbor, but so often we hear about the hunger of our neighbors and we do nothing.

Food insecurity is growing in our com-munities. Olive Branch Community of Hope was feeding 120 families per in 2024. They are now feeding nearly 200 families per week - and 60% of these families walk to Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Phoenix to receive their food and 15% are experiencing homelessness.

According to data from the Arizona Food Bank Network, one in seven Arizonans experience food insecurity, a crisis affecting urban neighborhoods, rural communities, and everything in be-tween.

And over the last years, many of us have become very aware that a single job loss or unexpected medical emergency can be all it takes for a family to slip into hunger.

Children, seniors, and residents in rural areas are especially vulnerable. Many of Arizona's most at-risk communities lack reliable access to affordable, nutritious food.

Rural residents often face long distances to grocery stores or food banks, while fixed-income seniors may have to choose between paying for medication or meals.

Programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program play a crucial role in bridging the gap. Roughly 900,000 Arizonans rely on SNAP benefits to put food on the table. But as state and federal discussions about budget cuts continue, the future of this lifeline remains uncer-tain.

You can make a difference by contacting your congress people to share with them the importance of the SNAP bene-fit. You can also contribute wish list items and support your local food pantries, so no one goes hungry.

As members of this community, we are called to make God's love known in tangible ways to all of God's children.

Pastor Chris Stoxen serves Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 739 W. Erie St., Chandler. She received the 2025 Bedenbaugh Award from Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary for faithful leadership, ministry and service.

Follow Pastor Stoxen at @christine.stoxen

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