Hunger in America: Season-less, Stop-able

During a previous Democratic Administration, I was Deputy Director of Legislation for the Food and Nutrition Service (USDA), serving with my good friend, then-Legislative Director Sharon Armann. We were a two-person squad supporting FNS Administrator Bob Greenstein (founder and currently Executive Director of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities). At FNS we worked with Congress and advocates to eradicate the hunger first described for most Americans several decades before, in the classic Edward R. Murrow CBS documentary, Harvest of Shame.

While I am proud of the pivotal role we played in assuring millions of Americans had enough to eat, I learned two enduring lessons:
1. Erasing Hunger in America is a struggle that is never truly completed.
2. The willingness of individual Americans to squarely face this problem, and to help all our neighbors, is essential for any progress.

A September 2009 national survey by Feeding America (the leading nonprofit fighting against hunger nationally and through local food banks) revealed food banks are struggling to meet high demand amid economic woes and high unemployment. One in 8 Americans are at risk for hunger. That is not right.

Child Nutrition Programs: This Fall, Congress will once again consider reauthorization – and improvements – for these crucial government-funded programs (including the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs, the Commodity and Adult Care Food Program, the Summer Food Service Program and the Special Supplemental Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC).

As this jobless economic recovery continues into the next decade, “Now is a critical time for you to share your voice with your Member of Congress. You can underscore the importance of addressing the nationwide problem of childhood hunger—and the role our federal government must play in funding programs to help feed our at-risk children,” as well as our at-risk adult neighbors and local families. – Feeding America

What can you do? Lots! At http://feedingamerica.org:
(1) Support Feeding America

(2) Find & Support your local food bank

(3) Advocate with your Congressional representatives

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." – Margaret Mead.