RLF777

May 13, 2008

"On behalf of 35 million hungry Americans, I urge Members of the House and Senate to vote in favor of the historic, hunger-fighting Farm Bill on Wednesday. Hungry Americans are facing one of the most difficult times they have seen in recent years, and our food banks are on the brink of catastrophe.


"A recent survey of 180 food banks found that 99 percent of respondents are seeing increases in the number of low-income Americans turning to the nation's food banks, soup kitchens and food pantries for help. The average reported increase was 15-20 percent, and 80 percent of food banks have indicated that they are unable to adequately meet the demands for food assistance in their communities. More than 90 percent of food banks cited rising food and fuel prices as a primary factor driving the increased need.


"Hungry Americans need a Farm Bill enacted now! The charitable distribution system inthe United States is overburdened, and soaring food and fuel prices continue to send more and more Americans into the ranks of hunger.

Judy W

__________________