Food Bank of the Golden Crescent

Legislative Update

Looking Ahead to 2009

What does this mean for all of us engaged in the fight against hunger?

Clearly, 2009 will unleash a new set of challenges for hungry Americans. We expect that with the downturn in the economy, there will be more people without jobs, and more demand on our nationwide food banks. Our new government leaders will be faced with many decisions—especially those that deal with the economy and helping those in need. With this in mind, it is absolutely essential that you stay highly engaged in the legislative and regulatory process in the coming weeks and months; with your help, we can make certain that our voice is heard when legislative measures arise that will affect Feeding America and its mission of feeding the hungry.

Legislative Update

With the economy rapidly deteriorating, Congress will return one last time for a lame duck session to debate a loan package to the auto industry and possibly a second economic stimulus package. Rising unemployment, high food and fuel costs, and a global economic downturn have left more and more Americans seeking help. In this current economic climate, it is more important than ever to secure federal resources to help our network food banks serve their communities.

Feeding America has been working with legislators and staff from both parties to ensure that the rise in demand for food assistance is addressed in the proposed stimulus package. Specifically, Feeding America is asking for:

·        $50 million for TEFAP storage and distribution. Demand for food assistance is on the rise and is expected to increase, putting further strain on food banks to serve greater numbers in their communities. With skyrocketing transportation costs and tight state and local budgets, food banks are in desperate need of this funding to offset higher costs of operations. These funds were authorized in the Farm Bill enacted this summer, but have yet to be appropriated.

·        $15 million for food bank infrastructure grants. Food banks serving rural areas face unique challenges. In the Farm Bill, Congress authorized $15 million for transportation and infrastructure grants to help food distribution organizations deliver food to sparsely populated communities. To date, no funding has been provided for this critical initiative.

·        $100 million for the purchase of additional The Emergency Food Assistance Program commodities. Private donations to local food banks have not been able to keep up with the rising demand for food assistance. The economic downturn could make it even more difficult to secure the food and funds needed to serve hungry Americans throughout the country. Feeding America is asking for additional federal commodity assistance to ensure that our network’s warehouses do not go bare.

Unfortunately, the prospect of Congress including funding to fight hunger in an economic stimulus package during the lame duck session is highly uncertain. However, it is still important to let your legislators know that funding for anti-hunger programs is critical as we navigate this financial crisis and that Congress must pass a stimulus package as soon as possible. Visit the Hunger Action Center to send a letter and make your voice heard!

As always, Feeding America will continue to educate state and federal legislators of the challenges facing our network and ensure that the concerns of the more than 35 million Americans struggling to put food on the table are heard and addressed. You can help by lending the power of your own voice and recruiting others in the fight against hunger. Visit the Hunger Action Center to find out how you can do more.