Good afternoon,

We hope you had a restful weekend celebrating Thanksgiving and <a href="[link removed]">Native American Heritage Day</a>. This year, we were thankful to get some holiday relief from inflation: <a href="[link removed]">turkey</a> and <a href="[link removed]">gas prices</a> have fallen, making the costs of traveling and cooking slightly more affordable for working families.

While inflation continues to cool, many Americans still face <a href="[link removed]">mounting food insecurity</a>. On our <a href="[link removed]">latest episode of the Hot Dish</a>, OCP founder and former U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp spoke to Eddie Oliver, executive director of the Federation of Virginia Food Banks, about his organization's work distributing millions of pounds of food to church pantries, soup kitchens, and homeless shelters across the state. On this Giving Tuesday, please consider <a href="[link removed]">volunteering with or donating to your local food bank</a>. As Eddie pointed out, "So many families are just one crisis, one missed paycheck away from falling into food insecurity." Your generosity will make a difference!

WINTER WEATHERIZATION

December hasn't yet arrived, but for many parts of the country, winter is already upon us. While some snow days are a time to pull out the skis, build a snowman, or roast some chestnuts over an open fire, some winter storms hold travel delays, power outages, and health risks.

Last December, the "bomb cyclone" winter storm Elliot placed <a href="[link removed]">over 60 percent</a> of Americans under a winter storm advisory. Approximately <a href="[link removed]">18 percent</a> of U.S. electricity generation failed during the storm, affecting the communities along the entire East Coast.

Even after last year's lessons, our natural gas infrastructure and electric grid are <a href="[link removed]">still</a> <a href="[link removed]">unprepared</a> for winter storms. The North American Electric Reliability Corporation's <a href="[link removed]">winter reliability assessment</a> found that nearly two-thirds of the country remains at an elevated risk of insufficient energy supplies to meet demand in severe conditions this winter.

Plus, this year's El Nino weather patterns are poised to cause colder temperatures and increased snow fall for central and eastern U.S. <a href="[link removed]">Here's how you can prepare to stay warm during wintry weather.</a>

SHARE YOUR RURAL HEALTH CARE STORY

Rural America faces unique health care challenges. One Country wants to raise awareness with policymakers in Washington, DC through first person testimonials by rural residents. <a href="[link removed]">Tell us your story and help us improve health care access in rural America.</a> If you heard any at the Thanksgiving table, please share the link with us.

REMINDER: MEDICARE OPEN ENROLLMENT FOR 2024 COVERAGE

Seniors and families, NOW is the time to ensure your 2024 health care needs will be covered by selecting the plan that best fits your needs. Medicare Open Enrollment lasts until December 7, a little over a week from today. <a href="[link removed]">Explore your coverage options here.</a>

ICYMI

Nevada Current: <a href="[link removed]">Rural Nevadans pay thousands more than urban Nevadans for health insurance</a>
Daily Yonder: <a href="[link removed]">'Nothing's Predictable': Extreme Weather is Ruining Farmers' Crops and Finances</a>
CNET: <a href="[link removed]">Why Rural Americans Are (and Aren't) Adopting Renewable Energy</a>

Jefferson Public Radio: <a href="[link removed]">Many rural California communities are desperate for school construction money. Will a new bond measure offer enough help?</a></p>

Paid for by One Country Project

This email was sent by One Country Project [[link removed]]

One Country Inc
600 Pennsylvania Ave SE
#15180
Washington, DC 20003
United States

One Country Project is a 501(c)(4). Contributions to One Country Project are not tax-deductible. They support our efforts to promote greater opportunities for rural communities.

Email is an important way for One Country Project to keep supporters like you informed about critical issues and to build a winning grassroots campaign. Too much email? Switch to our less email option [[link removed]] or unsubscribe here [[link removed]] .
You can also update your name, email, or mailing address. [[link removed]] Questions or concerns? Contact us here [[link removed]] .

[link removed] [[link removed]]