Confronting Poverty: National Hunger Awareness Day - June 7, 2005

From “Confronting Poverty,” an initiative of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA; www.jewishpublicaffairs.org)

National Hunger Awareness Day was created to raise consciousness about the problem of hunger in America. In 2004 more than 36 million Americans faced food insecurity. Domestic hunger is a growing problem, and it is imperative that advocates work together to help ensure that there are enough resources to feed hungry Americans. Over one-third of those in hungry and food insecure households are children, who are particularly affected by the consequences of hunger. Hunger impedes growth and development, is a significant predictor of adverse health conditions, and is associated with behavior problems among preschoolers and school-age children. On June 7th anti-hunger advocates will mark this year’s Hunger Awareness Day by participating in activities across the country designed to highlight the problem of millions of Americans living in households that are food insecure.

Hunger Awareness Day is an excellent opportunity to highlight the importance of the Food Stamp program. The budget that was passed in Congress included significant cuts to the program (see Confronting Poverty: April 29), which is the cornerstone of the nation’s anti-hunger safety net. The Food Stamp Program is efficiently targeted to reach people who have the most difficulty affording an adequate diet. Over 95 percent of benefits go to households with incomes below the poverty level; nearly all of the remaining beneficiaries are elderly or disabled. The 2002 Farm Bill food stamp provisions offered states an array of new options to simplify the program, make it more accessible and better coordinate child care and Medicaid for eligible families. Program changes that add unwarranted complexity and excessive bureaucratic conditions on food stamp administrators and beneficiaries would undermine these advances.

National activities include the first Interfaith Convocation on Hunger, on June 6th, when more than 40 faith communities will gather at the Washington National Cathedral to send a message to legislators that they must take action to help those in need. On June 7th a “Rally Against Hunger” will take place at Washington’s MCI Center with nearly 1,500 anti-hunger advocates from numerous anti-hunger organizations across the nation filling the floor of the arena for an hour-long program of music and inspiration from special guests and musicians. Be sure to check out the National Hunger Awareness Day website to find out about activities taking place in your community.

Additional suggested Hunger Awareness Day Activities:

• Call your Members of Congress (202-224-3121) and urge them to protect the Food Stamp Program against budget cuts or weakening structural changes.
• Ask your Mayor to issue a Hunger Awareness Day proclamation that discusses hunger in your area and the importance of the Food Stamp Program and other federal nutrition programs to your community.
• Write a letter to the editor.
• Take your Members of Congress to visit programs in your community after Hunger Awareness Day.