FRAC: Media Advisory - Hunger in America: An Agenda for the New President and Congress

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MEDIA ADVISORY

CONTACT: Jennifer Adach, (202) 986-2200 x3018; Ed Hatcher, (301) 379-2169

Hunger in America: An Agenda for the New President and Congress
State-by-State Data on Hunger, Poverty and Federal Nutrition Programs, and Analysis of Impact of Hunger on Children to be Released

WHAT: A Policy Briefing for Media, Advocates and Policy-Makers, "Hunger in America: An Agenda for a New President and Congress"
WHEN: Wednesday, November 19, 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. with Q&A to follow
WHERE: National Press Club, White/Murrow/Lisagor Room
WHO: Speakers Include:

Jim Weill, President, Food Research and Action Center
Dr. Deborah Frank, Founder, Children's Sentinel Nutrition Assessment Program, panelist
Kimberley Chin, Director, Maryland Hunger Solutions, panelist
Cindy Lamy, Partnership for America's Economic Success, panelist
Jared Bernstein, Economic Policy Institute, panelist

MODERATED BY: Clarence Page, Chicago Tribune

In the current economic climate, the number of people struggling to make ends meet and afford nutritious food is on the rise. President-elect Barack Obama has stated a commitment to ending childhood hunger in this country by 2015. On November 19, the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC) will host an important policy briefing on the state of hunger in the U.S. and outline how the Obama Administration and the 111th Congress should make the battle against hunger a priority.

At the event, FRAC will release state-by-state data that detail the extent of hunger and poverty, as well as the reach of the federal nutrition programs. A new report on the impacts of hunger on young children will also be released and discussed by The Partnership for America's Economic Success, the Children's Sentinel Nutrition Assessment Program, and FRAC. Speakers will highlight the impact of a weakened economy and higher food costs on families.

Speakers will also address the specific steps policy-makers can take to improve nutrition programs, including a temporary increase in food stamp benefits to help stimulate the economy and improvements to the Food Stamp Program and to the child nutrition programs (school meal programs, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), child care food programs, and out-of-school time nutrition) to be considered by Congress next year. Panelists will explore how programs are working on the ground in the states and examine ways to increase program enrollment among those in need.

A call-in number is available: 1-800-905-9496

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The Food Research and Action Center (www.frac.org)is the leading national organization working for more effective public and private policies to eradicate domestic hunger and undernutrition.