A message from Maria Coutant Skinner, LCSW, President & CEO
October 30, 2025
My dear friends;
I feel the need to dedicate this space to the urgent crisis that is upon us as a result of the government shutdown, food insecurity. I think it’s important to share accurate information about what is happening as well as how to access food, and how we can help.
The federal government, through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, has stated it will not use its $6 billion contingency fund to continue funding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) during the shutdown, nor will it reimburse states that attempt to cover the cost. This will affect an estimated 42 million Americans, including about 360,000 Connecticut residents, many of whom are children, seniors, and people with disabilities.
While Governor Ned Lamont has announced $3 million in emergency state funding for Connecticut Foodshare there are issues related to access for many of our neighbors. Please consider donating to your local food bank and/or soup kitchen. In CT, you can access those resources here.
When I was in graduate school, I had a social work class that challenged us to live for two weeks on what folks get in SNAP or “food stamp” benefits. It was the equivalent of a few dollars a day and it was a startling eye opener. I kept a journal where I recorded my purchases, meals and the experiences of that brief exercise. I became profoundly aware of my privilege.
Absent that lifeline, families will be plunged into crisis, stressed beyond what I hope you never have to imagine. Parents will not be able to feed their hungry children. The elderly and disabled will be forced to choose between medicine, heat, or a single meal for the day. Our community members will be desperate and afraid. My friends – we know better and must garner the will to do better. This moment calls us to act, with everything we have, to not abide it.
From my heart to yours,
Maria
Maria Coutant Skinner, LCSW
President and CEO
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