With 30 million jobless, food needs are growing. Congress must increase SNAP benefits.

SNAP benefits

COVID-19 is quickly adding hunger to its list of health risks. With more than 30 million Americans unemployed, people are being forced to choose between rent and groceries. Food banks are overwhelmed, and missed school meals are threatening the nutritional health of our children.

The Supplement Nutrition Assistance Program - formerly food stamps - is our nation’s first line of defense against hunger. It is built for crises like this. Back in 2008, SNAP not only kept food on the table for millions, it helped the economy recover - every $1 in new SNAP spending creates $1.50-1.80 in economic activity. It is ready to do so again, but Congress must act now.

I urge members to help hungry Americans by quickly passing legislation that increases the maximum SNAP benefit by 15% until this economic crisis ends.

Youmna Elkamhawy, Cary

Nurses need PPE

My daughter is an ICU nurse in Washington, D.C. caring for COVID-19 patients. Her hospital is rationing personal protective equipment to the nurses, as they are running out.

I’m asking U.S. Rep. David Price and Sens. Thom Tillis and Richard Burr to stand with nurses by mandating that OSHA enact an emergency temporary infectious diseases standard and mandate that President Trump fully utilize the Defense Production Act.

Nurses across the country are reporting that they’re still not receiving the PPE they need to safely care for COVID-19 patients. Congress needs to act now to get nurses the PPE they need to take care of their patients and keep us all safe. If nurses become infected, they won’t be there when people need them.

Lori Spangler, Raleigh

Church services

I am disappointed in those Christians who place church attendance over science and medical knowledge. Sitting in one place, especially with singing and loud talking spreads the virus more easily than passing someone while grocery shopping.

You can be close to God and worship in your kitchen, living room or backyard or attic.

I hope none of those flocking to church and boasting about their First Amendment win end up worshiping with an asymptomatic carrier. Best of luck to you, you’ll need it.

Denise Bricker, Archer Lodge

COVID death rate

The president’s uncaring statement that “80,000 deaths is a very small percentage” (of our total population) is mathematically correct, but reminds me of the story of a surgeon who presented his new elective operation at a medical meeting and proudly noted “it only had a 1% death rate.”

Another physician complimented him on the operation but reminded him that for one patient in the 100 the death rate was 100%.

Trump should be reminded that for each of those 80,000 COVID-19 fatalities the death rate was 100% for that individual in the eyes of his or her family and friends.

Dr. William W. McLendon, Chapel Hill

Requiring masks

Where were these “constitutional scholars” when retailers put up the first “no shirt, no shoes, no service” placards at the entrance of their establishments? Is a “no shirt, no shoes, no mask, no service” sign so much more offensive that people are being shot for simply making this request? If the government shouldn’t have the power to dictate how a business owner runs his or her business, then those who feel that wearing a mask violates their constitutional rights shouldn’t complain when an owner asks them to do so. The only constitutional right they have is to not shop there.

Chris Burke, Raleigh

Employee masks

Here’s yet another anecdote about responses to the coronavirus emergency. This exchange occurred recently at a Raleigh seafood market.

Me (reasonably polite): “I’d be more comfortable if the staff wore masks.”

Cashier (very defensive): “That’s a matter of personal preference!” She then named a couple of competitors with mask requirements and suggested I patronize them instead.

While some might be taken aback by her defensive attitude and apparent ignorance, I was grateful for her advice, which I intend to follow even when COVID-19 is a distant memory.

Ven Carver, Raleigh

November looms

I recently turned 80 and I hope to participate this November in the most important election of my life. But I don’t want to have to risk my life to vote as those Wisconsin voters felt moved to do. Now I read that at least 71 of them have tested positive for COVID-19.

Many states already have vote-by-mail in place. Where is the clarion call for such a system in our state? It takes time to set up a reliable, secure system and Election Day is less than six months away. For me, this is a hair-on-fire moment. We have to do something!

Stu Solomon, Chapel Hill