Alaska families are still waiting for food.

SNAP backlog leaves thousands in limbo.

Dear Jason, New reports confirm what too many Alaskans have felt for months: our food assistance system is still failing the families who need it most.  Less than half of food assistance applications are being processed on time. Families who should legally receive help within 30 days are instead waiting 47 days on average — and thousands are waiting three to four months or more to get the help they need to feed their families. This isn't just "administrative challenges." Years of staffing cuts under Gov. Dunleavy left the Alaska Division of Public Assistance struggling to process paperwork within the 30-day timeline mandated by the federal government. It has been made even worse by the recent six-week federal shutdown, when Trump refused to fully fund food benefits. But let's be honest: the issue at the heart of this backlog is Dunleavy's failure to support our food assistance system. The state is relying on out-of-state contractors at a cost of $27.5 million while in-state positions remain unfilled. Low wages make it hard to retain staff, and application processing systems are extremely outdated. Meanwhile, new federal penalties will hit Alaska hard — and Dan Sullivan supported the budget that created them. DONATE TODAY This is what happens when leaders treat food assistance like an afterthought instead of a lifeline. Alaskans deserve better. Families shouldn't have to wait months for food because of political maneuvering. They deserve public assistance systems that work — staffed, funded, and functional. We can and must do better. And that starts with electing leaders who believe that families shouldn't have to wait months to have enough food on the table, and that government should work for the people it serves. Your support helps us uplift candidates who understand what Alaskans need and will fight to support our communities. Thank you for standing with us, and every Alaskan who deserves better than this mess. ––––––––– In solidarity, Eric Croft Chair Alaska Democratic Party Paid for by the Alaska Democratic Party (www.akdems.org). Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. 907-258-3050.   Alaska Democratic Party P.O. Box 240207 Anchorage, AK 99524 United States If you believe you received this message in error or wish to no longer receive email from us, please unsubscribe.