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Today in honor of Veterans Day, MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger, PsychArmor, and Combined Arms are proud to release a new 30-second public service announcement and campaign website spotlighting hunger among America’s veterans and solutions to address the crisis. The campaign website, available now at EndVeteranHunger.org, aims to raise awareness and provide veterans and those who serve veteran communities with resources to help improve their situations.
While over 1.2 million veterans participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly food stamps), studies estimate that only one-third of eligible veterans enroll in the program. In fact, a recent RAND report reveals that veterans who are eligible for SNAP are less likely to participate in the program compared to their civilian counterparts. Advocates note that this low participation rate stems from a lack of awareness, cumbersome bureaucratic barriers, and mounting stigma and shame about receiving federal food assistance. The barriers to SNAP participation by veterans are exacerbated by negative rhetoric, misleading statements about the program, and judgmental stereotypes used by some politicians.
"Far too many veterans are forced to choose between paying their bills or putting food on the table, but it does not have to be this way,” said Abby J. Leibman, President & CEO of MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger. “Time and again, for over a decade, my colleagues and I have urged elected officials to understand and address this shameful crisis, including numerous visits to testify before Congress, but the problem has persisted and grown. Today, food insecurity rates are higher than even before the pandemic, and we know that among those facing hunger are millions of veterans. We are proud to stand with our partners — on Veterans Day and every day — to fight for solutions that we know will help end veteran hunger."
"We have been honored to work alongside MAZON and Combined Arms to increase understanding and awareness of food insecurity in veteran populations," said Dr. Tina Atherall, CEO of PsychArmor. "MAZON’s work to end veteran hunger by advocating for policy change and amplifying resources benefits from our collaborative partnership, ultimately benefiting the communities we serve."
"Ending veteran hunger is not just a phrase or tagline for us at Combined Arms; it's a declaration of our unwavering commitment to honor those who served by ensuring their basic needs are always met,” said Mike Hutchings, CEO of Combined Arms. “We aim to ensure that no veteran stands alone in the battle against hunger, uniting our strengths through collaboration. Together, we can make sure their sacrifices are met with the nourishment and respect they deserve."
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About MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger:
Inspired by Jewish values and ideals, MAZON is a national advocacy organization working to end hunger among people of all faiths and backgrounds in the United States and Israel. More at mazon.org.
About PsychArmor:
As a nationally recognized nonprofit leader and preferred training provider for military cultural awareness, PsychArmor serves members of the military-connected community and anyone who wants to more effectively engage with them. More at psycharmor.org.
About Combined Arms:
Combined Arms delivers innovative technology solutions that improve the quality of life for veterans & military families by bringing together veteran-focused nonprofits, agencies, and communities nationwide committed to serving those who served. More at combinedarms.us.