On World Hunger Day, we are reminded that hunger is not caused by a lack of food alone — it is driven by instability, uncertainty, and policies that leave many families one setback away from crisis.
At Manna, we are seeing more neighbors forced to make impossible choices as the cost of housing, groceries, childcare, and transportation continues to rise. Even families who are working full-time are struggling to keep up with an economy that feels increasingly out of reach.
Mary’s Center
Sept. 18, 2025
At the same time, proposed changes under HR1 and growing discussions around expanded work requirements for SNAP are creating real fear for many of the people we serve. Parents, older adults, caregivers, and workers in unstable jobs are worried that a missed form, reduced hours, or administrative hurdle could mean losing access to food assistance altogether.
SNAP has long been one of the most effective anti-hunger programs in our country. When barriers increase, hunger increases. Food providers like ours will continue to stand in the gap, but charitable food alone cannot replace the scale and stability that federal nutrition programs provide.
World Hunger Day is not only a moment to acknowledge need — it is a call to protect dignity, strengthen support systems, and ensure that no one is punished for struggling in a difficult economy. Hunger should never be the price families pay for circumstances beyond their control.
Craig Rice