How UCH is responding to the SNAP shutdown.

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As you all have heard, because of the government shut-down, food subsidies like SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) will "expire" and not be sent out to accounts this weekend. This is a disaster for many lower and fixed income folkx who depend on these grocery subsidies to be able to put food on the table. Food pantries and providers across California and the US are gearing up to meet this disaster. And as our values statement at UCH says, Jesus is very clear in the gospels that it is part of our call and responsibility as followers of The Way to feed those who are hungry (Matthew 25: 35-40). 

Here are some ways UCH is responding to this situation:

  1. I am attaching a recently updated local services grid that outlines ways to receive meals and food assistance in Hayward on a daily basis. Please share this with anyone who is in need that would benefit. 

  2. The United Church of Hayward Council is exploring the possibility of significant church donations to South Hayward Parish food bank, and Comida para Cherryland/Eden Foundation food bank that serves primarily immigrant families in Cherryland. Since this requires a congregational vote to alter the 2025 budget, the Council is calling a short congregational meeting for this vote on Gratitude Sunday, November 23 after worship. Please stay on the same worship Zoom link. 

  3. I am also concerned that there may be some immediate and extended members of the UCH Community who will be directly impacted by this situation. If you or a neighbor or friend you know is facing struggle this month, I invite you to let me know discreetly and confidentially. I will use UCH Minister's discretionary fund monies allotted by UCH Council to make sure you will be able to put some food on your table. Please email me privately: revjeanne@uchucc.org.

  4. After ongoing conversation with Kristina and me, Pastor Marvin has offered to arrange "a special volunteer orientation" for UCH members who would like to partner with Eden and "take a deeper dive" into Eden's community resilience and community empowerment programs. If you are interested in hands-on volunteer work with others from UCH to help those in need in Hayward (particularly those in the Cherryland immigrant community), please let Kristina or me know: revjeanne@uchucc.org and Kkburnett@comcast.net.  We will get the group together and arrange the date for this partnering opportunity with our siblings in Christ.  

Meanwhile, please be in prayer for all who are impacted by this deeply unfortunate situation. May God have mercy on us and our nation in coming days. -Rev. Jeanne