United States Department of Agriculture (USDAEnglish acronym) informed the state government: they shouldn’t “Transfer all benefits” Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (snap) for the time being as funding dried up during the government shutdown. After this measure, AJ Owen (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)’s initiative went viral on social networks. help those affected.
The idea came to him in late October when his children asked him how they could help those in the program. snap And recently they have not received full payment Some of the benefits of the government shutdown.
“They asked me “What can we do?”So I told them: ‘Well, I have to buy something,”’ he explained in an interview. CN About the beginning of the project.
On the first day, the family was assigned to $150 at Aldi To stock up on food. And I organized a pantry in the front yard of my house. More than 70% of the food was consumed. “We didn’t have a plan.”he declared.
As the days pass, AJ Owen Received support from the community through donations of bags, food and money. Similarly, his video TikTok The food bank has been viewed over 20 million times in total.
“People have a right to food, and people have a right to be fed,” Owen said in an interview. CBS News. “We will maintain this as long as there is a need for it in our community. ”said.
Nine days after starting the food bank, Owen received a surprise letter in his mailbox. Donate thousands of dollars in cash anonymously. “I’m shaking. I saw this in my email (showing cash). The dedication reads: ‘May God bless and prosper your food bank,'” she tearfully expressed on her TikTok account.
The donation encouraged him to go to the store more. He and his children purchased other products, including: Diapers, powdered milk, protein shakes, vegetables, noodles, pasta sauce.
Another piece of support I received was: Josh ShapiroGovernor of Pennsylvania. Through Mr. Owen’s voicemail, he said, “Hello, AJ, this is Governor Shapiro.” I’m here with my wife, Lori, and that’s all I want to tell you. you are a wonderful person “We’ve seen what you’ve done with the food bank in your backyard, and I think it highlights what’s great about your state and your country.”
Posting the governor’s words on his TikTok account, the governor once again thanked him for his contributions to the community in a comment. “I’m sorry I couldn’t meet you, buddy. Keep up the good work. Thank you as always!”Shapiro said.
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