Statement attributed to Kate Leone, Chief Government Relations Officer
“As the largest hunger-relief organization in the United States, Feeding America is relieved to see some progress on economic relief legislation in Congress. Our network of member food banks across the country are witnessing unprecedented and sustained increases in demand for charitable food assistance. As always, and especially during this crisis, the simple truth is that charity alone cannot solve food insecurity. The bipartisan bill unveiled includes investments in nutrition assistance that will help, though more relief will certainly be necessary in the very near future. Nevertheless, the Emergency COVID Relief Act of 2020 represents bipartisan progress, and we ask Congress to provide this urgently needed emergency nutrition assistance for millions of people nationwide.
“Feeding America’s network of 200 member food banks and 60,000 partner food pantries and meal programs provide food assistance to meet the urgent need found in every county in this country. Families are making impossible decisions between paying the rent and putting food on the table while food banks are working tirelessly to keep up with the increased need. Communities in both red and blue states need immediate action from Congress. Legislation to increase benefits in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and provide more nutritious food to the charitable food system through The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) cannot wait. The Emergency COVID Relief Act of 2020 would provide limited but immediate help to bridge the gap we face during the coming weeks.
“This short-term legislation is critical to ensuring families and children have enough to eat this holiday season. Our nation is facing unimaginable challenges, and we will need continued bipartisan congressional agreement to provide the necessary support to help families and our economy weather this unprecedented pandemic. We urge Congress to pass a stimulus relief package that will support food-insecure households and take action to ensure food banks continue to have food to help as many families in need as possible.”
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About Feeding America
Feeding America is committed to an America where no one is hungry. We support tens of millions of people who experience food insecurity to get the food and resources they say they need to thrive as part of a nationwide network of food banks, statewide food bank associations, food pantries and meal programs. We also invest in innovative solutions to increase equitable access to nutritious food, advocate for legislation that improves food security and work to address factors that impact food security, such as health, cost of living and employment. We partner with people experiencing food insecurity, policymakers, organizations, and supporters, united with them in a movement to end hunger. Visit FeedingAmerica.org to learn more.