Hunger is surging in our country and around the world.
A new Brookings Institution survey reveals that 40 percent of U.S. mothers with children under 12 can’t afford enough food for their family. The World Food Program now expects extreme hunger in the world to double this year.
Congress has the ability to address this surge in hunger. It's important that we let our members of Congress know what we want them to do - help people who most need help in our communities and around the world.
As president of Bread for the World, I sent a letter to every member of Congress urging them take the following actions in the next COVID-19 response legislation:
Increase SNAP food assistance benefits.
Expand international health, humanitarian, and economic aid.
Dramatically expand testing and contact tracing for COVID-19. This is the only way to achieve sustained recovery of the economy and job market.
Make assistance available regardless of immigration status. Entering the United States illegally is a misdemeanor, but we are now punishing undocumented immigrants with higher rates of sickness and death.
Take steps to reduce the high rates of infection and death among low-income people and people of color.
Members of Congress are still taking calls. If you can, I hope you'll call your members' offices and encourage them to prioritize giving help to people who need it most.
Comments