The Adams County Democratic Committee hosted a public forum on November 13 for an evening focused on the hunger and healthcare crisis in Adams County. The event raised $1,335 for South Central Community Action Program (SCCAP).
The forum featured two presentations by Carly Auchy, co-chair of the Adams County Food Policy Council and Monica Oss, CEO of OPEN MINDS, Gettysburg.
Auchy provided a data-based presentation on the rapid rise of food insecurity across the region
“Food insecurity in Adams County has grown by 53 percent since 2021, and child food insecurity has increased by 60 percent.” Auchy said. “More than one-third of Adams County residents now experience some level of food insecurity.”
Auchy and Oss also described the severe effects of the recent federal shutdown and state budget impasse, which delayed SNAP benefits for the first time in history and disrupted food distribution networks statewide.
“Thousands of Adams County residents were suddenly left without assistance while food pantries simultaneously lost access to state supply programs,” she said.
Oss presented an overview of large-scale federal funding reductions and policy changes emerging from the new administration. The most significant developments she noted were reductions in premium subsidies in the healthcare exchange, known as Penni; an estimated $1 trillion reduction in Medicaid funding over next 10 years, as well as imposing new work requirements, and narrowing eligibility.
“[Cuts to] Medicare and Medicaid will increase the number of uninsured residents and could shift financial responsibility for safety-net services onto states and local communities and potentially strain local providers and nonprofits,” said Oss.
ACDC chair Marcia Wilson stated the purpose of the forum was not only to inform but to mobilize support for community partners working on the front lines. Donations collected during the forum directly support SCCAP’s mission to reduce poverty and expand food access across Adams County.