Letter to Editor

Dear Editor,

As most Americans prepare for Thanksgiving, 35 million Americans, including 80,000 in Ventura County struggle to put food on their tables and food bank inventories nationwide are scarce. Meanwhile, the Senate stalled debate on a Farm Bill that could bring much needed hope to food banks and hungry Americans.

Food banks are suffering as a result of a more than 70 percent decline in support from a federal food aid program in recent years. Strong agricultural markets have led to drastic reductions in food purchased and distributed by the Federal government.

Every day that goes by without a Farm Bill enacted is a day that shelves continue to go empty. The FOOD Share food bank and the over 30,000 people that we serve monthly need a Farm Bill this year that provides increased funding for the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) and strengthens the Food Stamp Program. Specifically, we need at least $250 million atyear in mandatory funding for TEFAP, with the amount indexed for inflation to ensure that we can continue meeting the increased need for emergency food assistance in the Ventura County area.

The House of Representatives passed its version of a Farm Bill in July that would provide more than $4 billion in new investment in federal nutrition programs. The Senate is expected to resume debate on its version of the bill following the current Thanksgiving recess.

Hunger is a solvable problem, but the charitable sector cannot do it alone. Government commodities are among the most nutritious and needed food products that we distribute. Please contact Senators Boxer and Feinstein today and urge them to pass a Farm Bill and bring home a victory for our hungry neighbors in Ventura County.

Senator Barbara Boxer
(202) 224-3553
boxer.senate.gov/contact

Senator Dianne Feinstein
(202) 224-3841
feinstein.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=ContactUs.EmailMe

Sincerely,

Jewel Pedi

Community & Governmental

Relations Director

FOOD Share, Inc

805 983 7100 x131