Dear friends in Christ in the Rocky Mountain Synod,

Tomorrow, November 1, 2025, the United States Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will lapse, leaving millions of Americans without food assistance due to the ongoing government shutdown. SNAP recipients across the Rocky Mountain Synod states of Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming and Texas will be directly impacted by the absence of these benefits. They include: 600,000 in Colorado, 460,000 in New Mexico, 86,000 in Utah, 29,000 in Wyoming, and 3.5 million Texans, including 1.7 million children who depend on these benefits every month. Many politicized narratives about SNAP benefits and recipients ignore or minimize the fact that nationally, more than 62% of SNAP participants are in families with children, more than 37% are in families with members who are older adults or are disabled, and more than 38% are in working families. And 100% of SNAP recipients are our neighbors. They are children, seniors, families, and individuals whom God loves, and for whom God desires life.

As Christians, called in our baptisms to follow the way of Jesus, we remember that our biblical witness is consistent in sharing God’s desire that all should be fed—and that all who have the means to do so should feed all who are hungry. More than 2,000 verses in the Bible instruct God’s people to feed and care for the poor, hungry, and vulnerable: from Deuteronomy 15:11 (“Since there will never cease to be some in need on the earth, I therefore command you, ‘Open your hand to the poor and needy neighbor in your land.’”) to Matthew 25:35-40, Jesus’ reminder to his followers (“for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink.”) Lutherans remember that Martin Luther’s critique of the sale of indulgences was not only a theological dispute about the nature of salvation but also a protest against the exploitation of the poor. Luther’s vision for Christian community included a “Common Chest” that combined the efforts of church and state to care for all.

Today, I ask you to answer God’s call to love and serve our neighbors who are affected by this crisis. I ask our congregations, ministries, and people to give what you can to support local food banks and food drives, and to consider other ways to offer relief to those in your community who are hungry. Our synod minister team is compiling a living document with links to food banks and related community organizations and ministries you can support, along with information about grants available for collective projects, including Thrivent Action Grants (find these resources here). I also encourage you to advocate with state and federal elected leaders to restore and to continue providing SNAP benefits, for the sake of the wellbeing of our neighbors and communities.

I am grateful to our synod staff team, conference deans, and congregational ministries committee for providing assistance with these resources and encouragement in this effort.

May God strengthen us in faith and hope, in compassion and generosity.

In Christ,

Bishop Meghan Johnston Aelabouni