If You Don't Collect the Data, The Hungry People Don't Exist - Trump Administration Cancels Annual Hunger Survey

According to The Wallstreet Journal , the Trump Administration has cancelled the USDA's Annual Hunger Survey. The government has been measuring food insecurity since the mid 1990s, but now says the report has become 'overly politicized'.

"Matthew's Hope has been supporting the homeless in our community for more than 15 years and I can tell you two things for certain. First, the homeless crisis in Central Florida continues grow year after year. Second, when a homeless guest comes to our ministry, I have never asked them whether they are a Democrat or Republican" stated Scott Billue, Matthew's Hope, Founder and CEO. Scott continued, "Just because you stop counting, that won't make the problem go away. It will only get worse".

The decision to cancel the program comes at a time of rising food costs combined with recent cuts to Federal Food Assistance Program, like SNAP. While the decision to "stop counting" doesn't directly effect Matthew's Hope, it does mean the Government will likely put less emphasis on helping those in our community who are less fortunate.

"There is definitely a trickle down effect. It is only a matter of time from when people in our community are denied food assistance to when they show up at our door step" stated Shelley Bradford, President, Matthew's Hope. "Just ignoring the problem won't make it go away".

Matthew's Hope needs your help. The fastest growing population of homeless individuals are Baby Boomers, young families, and people with disabilities. Please visit www.matthewshopeministries.org to learn more and make a donation.