The National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference (NHCLC), in accordance with our organizational mandate to promote the sanctity of Life and pursue Biblical Justice, supports the sustainment, strengthening, and increase of SNAP benefits to those in need, particularly given that many Hispanic families endure the challenge of food insecurity and that this challenge is exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The NHCLC commits to utilizing its networks and public platforms to underscore the importance of food security during the COVID-19 crisis. The NHCLC will continue supporting efforts to alleviate hunger and food insecurity by embracing this work under the NHCLC’s Life directive.
Hispanic faith leaders can access and share data and reports in reference to SNAP and food insecurity at the follow links:
Fact Sheet on COVID and SNAP. Link 1.
Information on racial demographic and the impact of COVID on poverty and food insecurity. Link 1. Link 2.
Article. “Race, Hunger, and COVID-19: The impact on Latino/a communities.” English. Spanish.
Additionally, the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference is urging national leaders to extend food assistance for families who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Below follows an open letter from the NHCLC addressed to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, Speaker Nanci Pelosi and House of Representatives Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy.
Click the following link to download, edit, and send a personalized letter to your representatives. Letter Template.
Hispanic faith leaders who have added their support to this letter:
Rev. Tony Suarez, COO – NHCLC
Rev. Girien R. Salazar, Executive Director – NHCLC
Rev. Moyce Polanco, Alaska
Rev. Edwin Mendoza, Arizona
Rev. Gilbert and Chris Montelongo, California – Central Valley
Rev. Abraham Hernandez, Connecticut
Rev. Miguel Cintron, Florida
Rev. Luis Ramirez, Georgia – Central
Rev. Angel Maestre, Georgia – East
Rev. Alex Cosio and Past. Liliana Lewis, Georgia – Northwest
Rev. Daniel Matos, Illinois
Rev. Juan Feliciano & Min. Veronica Garcia, Massachussetts
Rev. Herman and Yolandita Colon, Minnesota
Rev. Polo De La Cruz, Missouri
Rev. Dr. Jose Pagan, Nevada – Las Vegas
Rev. Tomas Acevedo and Rev. George Peña, New Jersey
Rev. Maudia Melendez, North Carolina
Rev. Josh Colon, Ohio – Cincinnati
Rev. Luis Vizcarrondo, Ohio – Cleveland
Rev. Israel Vega, Pennsylvania
Rev. Gilberto Ramos Granell and Rev. Henry Baez, Puerto Rico
Dr. Joanna Orellana and Rev. Luis Suarez, Rhode Island
Rev. Felix Fernandez, South Carolina – West
Rev. Joseph Mendoza, Texas – Houston
Rev. Paco Garcia, Texas – San Antonio
Rev. Miguel Quiroga and Rev. Armando Vera, Texas – South
Mr. Salomon Paredes, Wasthington D.C.