FRAC: FRAC Statement on 2009 Poverty Numbers

D owl

Statement by Jim Weill, President of the
Food Research and Action Center on the
2008 Federal Poverty Numbers

“The new Census Bureau data show that more Americans lived in poverty in 2008, and it is likely that the recession has added millions more in 2009 to the ranks of those living in poverty and struggling with hunger,” said Jim Weill, president of the Food Research and Action Center. “More people are turning to the federal nutrition programs for help. The SNAP program (food stamps) is experiencing record growth, and more children are relying on free and reduced-price meals at schools.”

“It is imperative that Congress, the Administration, states, cities, schools and social service providers all take steps to make the federal nutrition programs an even more effective response to the increased poverty and deprivation – increasing participation, reducing red tape, and improving benefits. States, cities, schools and local agencies can do much more with the federal programs as they exist now. Congress and the Administration can build further on the progress made in the Farm Bill and the economic stimulus bill (the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act).”

“This includes expanding and strengthening the child nutrition programs, which are due to be reauthorized. These programs touch millions of children each day; as more families fall into poverty, it must be a priority to ensure that children can access the nutritious food provided by these programs.”

“President Barack Obama made it a goal to end childhood hunger by 2015. FRAC joins the President in recognizing that the key to doing so is a strong economy, poverty reduction, supports for families like refundable tax credits, and more effective nutrition programs.” FRAC’s strategic plan to reach the 2015 goal can be found at www.endingchildhunger2015.org.

# # #

The Food Research and Action Center (FRAC) is the leading national nonprofit organization working to improve public policies and public-private partnerships to eradicate hunger and undernutrition in the United States.