[Antiracism] Anti-Hunger Call-In Day, May 22

[jo comerford]

Greetings Friends,

Join The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, FRAC, the Center on Budget and 
Policy Priorities, and America’s Second Harvest—The Nation’s Food Bank 
Network in an Anti-Hunger Call-in Day on May 22nd. Help support the 
McGovern/Emerson “Feeding America’s Families Act” (H.R. 2129) and build 
momentum for 2007 Farm Bill investments that strengthen the Food Stamp and 
emergency feeding programs.

Time is of the Essence

Congressional action on the 2007 Farm Bill is beginning in May, with at 
least one House Agriculture Subcommittee taking up its portion of the bill 
before the Memorial Day recess. Full House and Senate Agriculture Committee 
mark ups are slated for June. It is critically important to communicate with 
Members of Congress prior to the committee actions.

Feeding America’s Families Act Sets the Priorities

A new bipartisan bill offered by Representatives James McGovern (D-MA) and 
Jo Ann Emerson (R-MO) offers an excellent vehicle for getting Congress to 
focus on improving the nutrition title in the Farm Bill. The “Feeding 
America’s Families Act” (H.R 2129) would make a significant difference for 
families facing a constant struggle against hunger by improving access to 
the Food Stamp Program, increasing the adequacy of food stamp benefits, and 
bolstering the emergency food assistance system. It would invest $20 billion 
in new five-year spending for anti-hunger priorities.

Action Needed
Step 1: 	Call (800) 965-4701 and ask the Capitol Switchboard operator to 
connect you to your Member of Congress’ office. (If you don't know your 
Representative’s or Senators’ names go to 
http://www.congressmerge.com/onlinedb/index.htm) If you are having trouble 
getting through, try the Capitol Switchboard directly at (202) 225-3121 (not 
toll-free) and ask to be connected to your Members of Congress

The toll-free number is provided courtesy of the American Friends Service 
Committee.  AFSC welcomes groups to circulate and use the toll-free number 
in support of non-partisan budget goals and without linking the alert to a 
website soliciting donations or actions which may be used to support 
partisan lobbying or work.

Step 2: 	Make three calls – one to your Representative and two to your 
Senators.

MESSAGE: Please make sure that the 2007 Farm Bill has a strong nutrition 
title that strengthens the Food Stamp Program and the emergency food system. 
There are 35 million people in the U.S. living in households that face a 
constant struggle against hunger. Food stamp benefits average only $1 a 
person a meal and the minimum benefit has been stuck at $10 a month for 
decades. Food Stamps should be available to more people in need and should 
be made adequate for attaining a healthy diet. H.R. 2129 would address those 
priorities.

HOUSE ASK: Urge Members to communicate to Agriculture Committee Chairman 
Collin Peterson (D-MN) their support for improving the nation’s nutrition 
safety net in the 2007 Farm Bill by strengthening the Food Stamp and 
emergency feeding programs and ask them to cosponsor and/or otherwise 
support the McGovern/Emerson “Feeding America’s Families Act” (H.R. 2129). A 
strong nutrition title of the 2007 Farm Bill is a must.

SENATE ASK: Urge Senators to communicate their support to Agriculture 
Committee Chairman Tom Harkin (D-IA) for improving the nation's safety net 
in the 2007 Farm Bill by strengthening the Food Stamp and emergency feeding 
programs. A strong nutrition title of the 2007 Farm Bill is a must.

Step 3: 	Help Spread the Word! Send this Call-in Day information to your 
members and allies.

Assistance and Feedback

For background on the 2007 Farm Bill, links to testimony, and other 
information, go to 
http://www.frac.org/Legislative/farmBill2007/06.23.05.html  For support 
and/or information, Jo Comerford, 413.247.9738 x 118.

END

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