 Dear Neighbors, I’ve received several emails and phone calls from folks concerned about losing food access on November 1st, via the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). We are approaching the fifth week of the shutdown of the federal government in Washington D.C., where Republicans control the Presidency and both houses of Congress. As Minnesotans continue to struggle with health care costs, housing affordability and food access, we’re seeing these leaders in D.C. prioritize building a $300+ million “ballroom” and sending $40 billion to Argentina, which is unacceptable. Even before the shutdown, the Trump Administration made massive federal cuts to SNAP. More than 440,000 Minnesotans rely on SNAP to put food on the table. Nearly a third of kindergarteners in Minnesota rely on SNAP, and approximately 152,000 children, 52,000 Minnesotans with disabilities, and 72,000 older Minnesotans will lose access to meals due to the Trump shutdown. Previous exemptions for veterans, people experiencing homelessness, and youth aging out of foster care have also been eliminated. Thousands in Carver County will be impacted (3,351 people), which is why I signed a letter urging the Trump Administration to use their authority to keep families and children fed through November. Governor Walz also announced this week the use of some emergency funds that will be allocated. Earlier this month, I visited the Gather and Grow Food Shelf in Waconia with Rep. Nash and Sen. Coleman. I had stopped by Chaska’s Bountiful Baskets Food Shelf in January to check in on operations, so I was grateful for the opportunity to hear directly how things have changed since the beginning of the year and how it is impacting residents in Carver County.  If you are able to donate resources or if you need some extra help, please visit Carver County's Gather and Grow Food Shelf in Waconia or Chaska's Bountiful Basket Food Shelf. Food shelves are already struggling to meet the demand, and the longer the uncertainty around SNAP continues, the more pressure they will face. Additionally, Hunger Solutions has a list of statewide food shelves and additional resources here.  Welcoming the Capital Investment to ChaskaI was thrilled to recently welcome the House Capital Investment Committee to Chaska to see our City Square West redevelopment progress. I’m honored to have secured the funding to launch this project, and am excited to continue working with local leaders to build a community space with ample pedestrian-friendly improvements in our historic downtown.  Keep in TouchPlease keep the emails and phone calls coming. It’s important to hear from you and what you’re experiencing during this preventable government shutdown and how I can help. In community, Lucy |