Senators Mark Hunger Awareness Day by Helping
Prepare Food at D.C. Central Kitchen
WASHINGTON, DC- Today, in recognition of National Hunger Awareness Day, Senator Gordon Smith (R-OR) announced the formation of the Senate Hunger Caucus to raise awareness and target the nation's hunger problem. The Caucus currently has a bipartisan, multi-regional membership of 23 Senators.
"Hunger is an issue that cannot be ignored, help must come, and it must come swiftly for the millions of Americans, especially children, who are wondering where their next meal will come from," Smith said. "Lawmakers and experts working together to address this pressing problem can help ensure that no one is left out of the abundance our nation has to offer."
Despite all of the advancements in agricultural technology and food distribution, over 53 million Americans are food insecure, hungry, or at risk of hunger. According to a Brandeis University report, Oregon has the highest statewide prevalence of hunger.
In addition to focusing on raising awareness of the domestic hunger issue, funding priorities, and working on legislative initiatives, the Caucus aims to:
bring awareness to national and international hunger issues;
serve as a forum for Members and staff to receive information through briefings about hunger issues;
create a coalition of Senators to support nonpartisan initiatives to help address hunger;
serve as a vehicle for local, state, and national hunger non-profits to communicate to Congress about hunger issues
Smith is the cosponsor of the Good Samaritan Hunger Relief Tax Incentive Act (S.85) which was included as part of the CARE Act and passed by the Senate in 2003. Smith is also the cosponsor of two bills that will reduce hunger among the nation's poorest children, the Summer Food Service Program Improvement Act (S. 1021) and the Child and Adult Care Food Program (S. 1022).
