19,000 Oregonians.

Nearly 700,000 Americans across the country.

That's how many people will be kicked off of their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits under Donald Trump's newest rule tightening work requirements.

700,000 Americans who are already facing difficult circumstances. 700,000 Americans who are probably making minimum wage (stagnant at $7.25 an hour nationally, thanks to Congressional Republicans), if they're lucky enough to be working at all. College students who are already buried under student loan debt and working multiple jobs. People suffering from mental health issues who cannot work extended hours.

Donald Trump has never wondered where his next meal is going to come from – it just shows up thanks to his wealthy family and (underpaid) staff. But that's not the reality of everyday people. For over 36 million Americans who rely on SNAP benefits annually, feeding their families and themselves is a harsh daily struggle.

Despite conservative rhetoric, these able-bodied adults are not putting a dent in our national debt. In fact, their average SNAP benefits are about $165 a month. And for many, SNAP benefits are the only federal assistance they qualify for.

Last year, as a part of my Achieving Independence through Degrees (AID) higher education bill, I added a SNAP benefits provision for our students who are going hungry. And you can rest assured I will do everything in my power to fight this administration's cruel new rules.

Food pantries shouldn't be tasked with strengthening our social safety net. That's work we all have to pitch in to do together, and it's a job our movement will never walk away from until no one in this country goes to bed hungry.

Peter