Do you know when your next meal is?

The sad fact is that between 2010 and 2012 roughly 15 percent of all Mainers were insecure about when and where their next meal was. That’s over 90,000 households here in Maine. And considering the state of our economy these numbers have probably gotten worse. Studies have shown that these patterns of insecurity have lifelong effects on residents.

As a single working mother I relied on the WIC and SNAP programs to feed my children. Sometimes the only milk we had in the house was what I was able to get with my WIC vouchers. If you have ever had a child throwing a fit because they want milk instead of water you know how important that last gallon can be.

Stretching food assistance is a skill, one that must be learned. I had to learn because even when I was working I just wasn’t earning enough. Enough to have my benefits cut, but not enough to be self-sufficient.

Our country has made some great strides toward dealing with these issues. We have made great strides on a long road. This is an issue that is being addressed on many fronts. One that needs our particular attention is the continued and improved support provided by the Child Nutrition Reauthorization Bill that is being put forward in Congress.

We need our congressional delegation to step up and do what is right for Maine’s children.

Lynnea Hawkins, Auburn