Speckled by Rashida Coleman-Hale for Ruby Star Society
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Since the pandemic began, we have, on a rotating basis, tried to promote different charities and highlight different issues, mostly systemic racism and the impact that coronavirus has had on BIPOC communities.
Now, during the holiday season, we wanted to highlight an issue that truly highlights the failings of the Trump administration and the federal government to take care of all people who live in the US, citizen or not. We continue to put essential workers in harm’s way, without proper PPE, who live paycheck to paycheck and cannot afford to lose their jobs. Without a moratorium on evictions and financial aid, people who do not have the privilege to be able to work from home are forced to put themselves in danger every day, and the chance of facing astronomical medical bills if they become sick.
Trump has failed to promote a consistent federal plan to tackle this virus, leading to record unemployment and more than 300,000 deaths in the past 10 months (100,000 since September 22nd). This mishandling of the virus, and more importantly the lack of financial aid given to Americans after losing their jobs or facing staggering medical debt, means millions of people are becoming food insecure on top of the already 35 million people in the US who struggled with hunger in 2019.
“In the wake of the COVID-10 pandemic, unemployment has soared, and food insecurity is on the rise. In 2020, more than 50 million people may face hunger because of coronavirus. Hunger affects people from all walks of life; a record number of people have reported that they are going to food banks for the first time during the past few months. Many Americans are one job loss or medical crisis away from food insecurity; however, children, impoverished, rural, and BIPOC communities are more vulnerable to facing hunger” (feedingamerica.org).
We recognize how privileged we are to be able to keep our doors closed and employees paid at home without going under; we know that many small businesses are not as lucky as us. Julie and I will both be matching all net proceeds from today, December 15th until January 1st and donating to feedingamerica.org to hopefully make a small impact for people in need. And if you don’t need anything from us, we encourage all of you to donate even $5 to feedingamerica.org or your local food bank.
We love and miss you all and hope that you have had a Happy Hanukkah, have a Merry Christmas, and a happy, safe, and healthy New Year.
Love, R + J
