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SNAP Food Emergency Alert

October 27, 2025

(Jonathan Weiss / Shutterstock.com)

From the Office for Social Ministry

NEWSLETTER FOOD EMERGENCY ALERT!
“I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat.” — Matthew 25:35

Millions of Americans — including many of Hawaii’s most vulnerable kupuna, children, and families — may soon lose access to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food benefits if the federal government shutdown continues. SNAP helps more than 41 million people nationwide, but November 2025 benefits are now at risk.

Here in Hawaii, that means real hardship for real people — our neighbors, elders, and parish families. For many, SNAP is the only thing keeping food on the table. Now is the time to act with compassion. We urge all to:

• Strengthen and extend food ministries and parish pantries.
• Organize or expand food drives in the coming weeks.
• Support and collaborate with local Food Banks and Food Baskets on all the islands.
• Encourage and call all to volunteer or give generously.

Here is a brief sample text for the parish bulletin

FOOD EMERGENCY ALERT!
“I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat.” ---Matthew: 25:35

Because of the ongoing federal government shutdown, millions of people across the U.S. — including many of Hawaii’s most vulnerable kupuna and families — could lose their SNAP food assistance starting in November.

We urge all to respond with compassionate action. Please increase support for our parish food ministries, pantries, and community partners such as Island Food Banks and Baskets. Please encourage all to donate food, funds, or time to help those struggling with hunger.

Let our hearts be moved by the love of Christ, who identifies Himself the hungry. Let our compassion in action be our witness to Jesus. Together, as one ʻohana , we can help make sure that no one in Hawaii goes hungry.

Here is a brief sample pulpit announcement

My dear sisters and brothers, Because of the federal government shutdown, millions of people across the United States — including many of our own kupuna and families here in Hawaiʻi — could lose their food assistance through the SNAP program as early as this November.

We are asking all to respond with compassionate action. Please help by supporting parish food pantries, local food drives, and community partners such as Food Banks/Baskets on all the islands. Let us remember the words of Jesus: “I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat.” Together, as one ʻohana, let us make sure no one in our islands goes hungry.”                         

Mahalo. Your Friends in the Office for Social Ministry