Let’s talk about priorities, shall we?

It’s important to know what your priorities are so you can spend your resources wisely. I define resources with that old nonprofit saw of time, talent and treasure.

Put more simply in our material world – what are you going to spend your money on?

You can probably guess my priorities based on the 33 years or so of weekly columns. But just in case there’s a question, here are my top four.

1a. Family

1b. God

2. Community

3. Country

I’m betting your list is similar, if not the same. I know getting rich is far down the list, unless it’s going to help 1-3. And making enemies hurt is actually on another list – things to avoid. Why? See #1b. And if that isn’t enough, remember that what goes around comes around.

All this is my way of tip-toeing toward a discussion of our national government’s decision to halt, or at least pause, SNAP, or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

It was called food stamps back in the day. It’s a way our government helps people so poor that they can’t afford enough food to feed themselves or their families.

Sort of ironically, the program is run by the Agriculture Department. That’s because it helps farmers – people can buy a little more food.

This is a controversial topic because many people equate SNAP with welfare. And welfare is a bad word for a segment of our population.

I should note that I am writing this before Nov. 1, when the SNAP program was slated to officially shut down for lack of funds. That, in turn, is because of the ongoing government shutdown. I suppose some politician could calculate no SNAP funds was worse than annoying a certain someone and find a way to keep the money (and the food) flowing.

But even that wouldn’t cancel the desperate need to talk about priorities.

Notice that I haven’t talked about the health insurance premium debate, or the air traffic controllers crisis-to-come, or the uncountable number of federal employees staring at depleting bank accounts. I haven’t complained about moving millions of dollars to be sure military forces are paid, or a hiring push for ICE employees or globe-trotting trips to seek gifts and concessions.

But you could put them in a list of priorities if you were so inclined.

No, I am focused on that “not enough food to eat” thing. That issue is top of mind for me because several of the charitable groups I support are working hard to address the problem (see priority #2).

Truth be told, the Salvation Army, WomenShelter, Precious Lamb Preschool, Christian Outreach in Action and even St. Mary Medical Center have all been dealing with food shortages for some time with food distributions, grocery gift cards and more. The loss of SNAP benefits to buy food at stores just exacerbates the problem.

There are many other food banks and food providers in Long Beach facing the same thing. Oh, and did I mention how much grocery prices have gone up in the last year or two?

Yes, this comes down to an appeal to help even more than you usually do, especially for agencies working to feed the less fortunate in our communities. That’s the immediate need.

It is also a plea for the long run. Can we please, please look soberly at our priorities as a community, as a country, as a society?

What’s really important? Do you have anything that can trump making sure a child has something to eat?

I didn’t think so. So let’s get to it.