I’ve been debating whether to post this, but I can’t stay quiet. I’ve needed CalFresh (SNAP) before. I know what it feels like to depend on that card just to eat. It’s not politics — it’s survival. When people turn assistance into a political issue, things get nasty fast. Words like “welfare queen” start flying, and suddenly we’re not talking about hungry families anymore — we’re victimizing the poor. Worse, we’re demeaning people who already have it rough. Now, because of the government shutdown, SNAP funding is being treated like collateral. These politicians — Trump, Johnson, Pelosi, Schumer — they’re all playing a game while real people pay the price. There’s only about two weeks of emergency funds left. After that, families won’t know where their next meal is coming from. Kids will go hungry because adults in Washington want leverage. I’m not perfect. I’ve done wrong in my life. But even at my worst, I wouldn’t have taken food out of a child’s mouth. What’s their excuse? Call your Congressman. Call your Senators. Tell them if they’re not going to fund the government, at least fund SNAP — or they’ll lose your vote. Tell them to stop holding hungry kids hostage. No more games with people’s food. Andrew Goltz writes about recovery, justice, and second chances. He believes real change starts with honesty and compassion. #SNAPBenefits #SNAPLife #SNAPTalk