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| November 19th, 2008 |
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Media Contact(s): Mark Eddington, 202-224-5251 |
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Printable Version |
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SENATE BILL SEEKS TO 'FEED AMERICA DAY'
Hatch Legislation Encourages Americans to Donate for Thanksgiving |
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For the fourth consecutive year, the U.S. Senate has designated tomorrow, the Thursday before Thanksgiving Day, as “Feed America Day.”
Sponsored by Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), the resolution the Senate unanimously adopted encourages all Americans to sacrifice two meals and to donate the money they would have spent on the food to a charity for the purpose of feeding the hungry.
“Most of us can and must do more to help those in need,” Hatch said. “Even in these difficult economic times, I hope every American will make an effort to help in their communities, particularly during the holiday season. Many of us have friends and neighbors who are hurting, or we know about others who are in dire circumstances. We must step up to meet their basic needs and help them get back on their feet.
“Sure, the needs in our towns, cities and rural areas now are great,” Hatch added. “But the decency and compassion of the American people are even greater. I am confident we can and will rise to meet this challenge by giving generously to those who have lost their homes and jobs or who are otherwise suffering.”
Cathy Caputo Hoskins, executive director of the Salt Lake Community Action Program (SLAP), said the nation’s downward economic spiral has sparked an upturn in the number of families needing help at the six emergency food pantries SLAP operates in Salt Lake and Tooele counties.
“The demand for food boxes has increased by 40 percent over the past year,” Hoskins said. “Most of the applicants we are seeing are coming to us for the first time. They are families or individuals who were self-sufficient before the economic turmoil hit. Sadly, our cupboards are not filled adequately to keep up with the demand.”
When SLAP and other food pantries run low on food, Hoskins added, they typically rely on the generosity of the Utah Food Bank (UFB) to replenish essential foodstuffs. The UFB, though, does not have enough donations this year to supply the front line pantries and meet the overwhelming need for food.
Hoskins said that is why Hatch’s Feed America Day is so important.
“I applaud Senator Hatch for his efforts,” she said. “It is my hope that his resolution will encourage those who are able to dig deep, both in their hearts and their pockets, to make a donation to the emergency food pantry or food bank of their choice. Together, we can make a difference. It is up to all of us to ensure that no child or adult ever goes to bed hungry.”
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, roughly 35 million Americans, including 12 million children, live in households with an inadequate food supply.
Hatch has supported Feed America Day, which is observed in cities and communities throughout the country, for several years in hopes that it will harness the spirit of the Thanksgiving season to make a difference in the lives of the less fortunate. Hatch’s resolution was cosponsored by a bipartisan group of senators, including Sen. Robert Bennett (R-Utah).
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