John, in my work with No Kid Hungry, I travel across the country hearing stories every day from the kids and families who participate in programs such as SNAP. Today, I’d love to share Patrick’s story with you — one which highlights the importance of our mission and how your support makes it all possible.

Meet Patrick, a husband and father of three in Ohio, who was on track to becoming an acupuncturist — even earning his master’s degree in the field. Near the end of his studies, everything flipped upside down when he developed debilitating arthritis in his neck, making his hands shake.

Suddenly, with his career in acupuncture no longer an option, Patrick found himself struggling to get enough food on the table for his three kids. He was consistently skipping meals, making sure his kids got whatever food he was able to afford.

To continue to provide for his family, Patrick found work in maintenance, which required him to go back to school to obtain his electrician’s license. With his wife working days as a nurse, he spends working hours taking care of his young kids, and attends night classes, making difficult sacrifices in order to provide for their family.

These sacrifices weigh on them, but they both know that they are worthwhile — and they are fortunate enough to have SNAP benefits to aid them along the way.

SNAP benefits, like Summer EBT, ensure that Patrick and his family can always get enough to eat.

This is the kind of long-term, life-changing impact I see for families like Patrick’s every day.

John, every action you take whether you join us in speaking out to support vulnerable programs like SNAP, or you donate to fuel our mission — helps millions of children like Patrick’s avoid hunger every year. We wouldn’t be able to do this without you.

There are countless families like Patrick’s across the country who still need our support, John. If you are able to today, please continue to support our work with a gift. Every dollar can help provide more meals for more kids.

Thank you for your continued, life-changing support of our work. Each gift gets us closer to ending childhood hunger.

— Diego Alonso