The Honolulu Charter Commission is considering a proposal to enshrine the right to food in the city’s charter, which would make Honolulu the first U.S. city to do so. This proposed amendment aims to address food insecurity issues on Oʻahu by ensuring access to nutritious and affordable food for all residents, potentially influencing city policies. While the concept is globally recognized, and Maine has already adopted similar measures, the specific implementation in Honolulu, a city within a state and federal system, could be complex and require a long-term commitment. The amendment is one of 276 submitted proposals, with a public review period beginning in December, and will appear on the November 2026 general election ballot if approved by the commission.
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USDA tells states to undo efforts to issue full food aid benefits, and it’s a gut punch, plain and simple. It’s like a cruel joke, especially with Thanksgiving just around the corner. The whole situation has this air of desperation and political maneuvering that’s hard to stomach. The core issue boils down to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, which is designed to help families afford food.
The initial reaction from some corners is a classic blame game. “It’s the Democrats’ fault,” they’ll say, trying to deflect responsibility for the consequences. It’s a frustrating cycle where courts mandate SNAP payments, but some Republicans seem determined to block them.… Continue reading
Senators Susan Collins and Josh Hawley, along with several Republican colleagues, have introduced the Keep SNAP Funded Act to guarantee continued SNAP benefit payments amidst the ongoing government shutdown. This bill addresses concerns of potential SNAP shortfalls reported by multiple states. The legislation seeks to provide full funding for SNAP, ensuring uninterrupted benefits retroactive to the shutdown’s commencement. The bill aims to protect vulnerable populations who depend on SNAP for food security while Congress works to resolve the shutdown.
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AP News reports that two federal judges issued nearly simultaneous rulings on Friday mandating the Trump administration continue funding SNAP, the nation’s primary food aid program, using contingency funds during the government shutdown. The judges’ decisions came a day before the USDA planned to halt SNAP payments, impacting the program that serves about 1 in 8 Americans and costs approximately $8 billion monthly. Democratic officials challenged the administration’s plan, arguing it had a legal obligation to keep the program operational, leading the judges to order the use of emergency reserves to maintain benefits and reinstate work requirement waivers, thus safeguarding millions from potential food insecurity.
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Due to the government shutdown, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced a suspension of SNAP benefits, impacting the food security of millions of Americans. These individuals will now have to turn to food pantries already facing strain due to federal cuts and elevated food prices. While millions face this uncertainty, the president is occupied with designing a White House ballroom and creating social media content. Congressional Democrats are being accused of attempting to improve the lives of millions of Americans by extending the Affordable Care Act subsidies.
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SNAP funding expiration set to hit 40 million people, and it’s hard not to feel the weight of that reality. It’s a staggering number, representing a significant portion of the American population who depend on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to put food on the table. The looming expiration of this vital funding is more than just a policy issue; it’s a potential crisis that threatens the well-being of millions, particularly at a time when food prices are already a major concern.
The absence of government support and rising food costs form a troubling combination. With SNAP dollars flowing back into local economies, supporting farms and businesses, its loss could have far-reaching consequences.… Continue reading
The iconic image of amber waves of grain rolling across America’s heartland is fading, as wheat farmers grapple with unprecedented challenges. The problem isn’t a lack of wheat; in fact, global wheat supplies are so abundant that prices remain stubbornly low, making wheat cultivation unprofitable for many farmers. This surplus, ironically, is a major factor in the decline of wheat farming in the United States.
This situation highlights a complex interplay of global economics and agricultural practices. The low prices aren’t simply a consequence of overproduction in America; international competition plays a significant role. Other countries produce wheat at a lower cost, flooding the global market and driving down prices.… Continue reading
Record beef prices are significantly impacting the cost of Memorial Day cookouts this year. Ground chuck, a popular choice for burgers, hit a record high of $6 per pound in April, a 14% increase compared to the previous year. This surge is primarily attributed to a drastic reduction in cattle herds, a consequence of several years of drought that severely limited grazing lands.
This situation underscores the interconnectedness of factors influencing food prices. The shrinking cattle herds aren’t just a matter of agricultural production; they reflect the broader impact of environmental challenges, such as prolonged drought, which has far-reaching economic consequences.… Continue reading
The U.S. temporarily banned Mexican beef cattle imports due to the northward spread of the New World screwworm, a parasitic fly larva that poses a threat to livestock and even humans. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum criticized the 15-day ban as unfair, expressing concerns about its economic impact on Mexico. The USDA Secretary cited food security and animal safety as reasons for the ban, emphasizing that it is not politically motivated. This action follows a previous, shorter ban lifted earlier this year and comes amidst heightened border security concerns. The ban’s continuation will depend on progress in Mexico’s containment efforts.
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The US is urgently pressing Mexico to halt the northward spread of the screwworm parasite, a highly invasive species that poses a significant threat to American agriculture. This isn’t a new problem; in fact, there’s a history of international cooperation aimed at eradicating this pest, pushing its range further south. It seems that past programs, possibly involving joint efforts between the US, Mexico, and Central American nations, were designed to keep the screwworm contained, effectively creating a barrier.
The current situation raises concerns about the potential disruption of these established preventative measures. Funding cuts and changes in policy could have inadvertently weakened these crucial barriers, leaving the US vulnerable.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood