News
Feed a Neighbor national initiative
US Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack helped launch the Obama Administration’s United We Serve: Feed a Neighbor Initiative on Tuesday – a week after USDA’s Household Food Security report identified 17 Million U.S. families struggling with food insecurity last year (2008). Vilsack says the numbers most surely have gone higher this year, “It’s likely, given the recession, that the 2008/2009 figures which will be published next year, will paint an even more unsettling picture. And these really aren’t just numbers. It’s important to recognize that these are people, these are children who are at risk of going to bed hungry every night.”
Vilsack says Thanksgiving shines a light on the needs of this growing number of Americans, “It’s time for us to remember that, unfortunately, that 49 million Americans may not be able to celebrate Thanksgiving in the way they ought to be able to celebrate it. 6.7 million households representing 17 million (plus) American citizens may have very little to eat during the Thanksgiving holiday.”
Vilsack says the growing food insecurity issue has many ramifications and that’s why President Obama is calling on everyone to be engaged in helping.
Vilsack says the increased funding for USDA’s food and nutrition programs, serving more than 36 Million Americans is a start, but it’s not enough as local food pantries and food programs across the nation are unable to meet the growing needs. The administration says it will work with faith-based organizations in its comprehensive approach to the problem.
White House: Feed a Neighbor Initiative
USDA: Initiative to address hunger
Tags: Consumer Issues, USDA
cry me a river..where was this empathy 20 years ago, when the same issues prevailed.. this rhetoric makes me sick… all lip service and false promises… all that food sitting in warehouses?? all the waste from over-production? sickening, just sickening. this is not christian behavior. shame on the government for its lack of sensitivity and its selfishness. makes me sad to say i am an american. i make nothing at all!!! and i share whatever i have.. this is my rant for the day and i have blessed you with it! peace be with you.