Media Contact:
Jordan Baker
jbaker@frac.org
202-640-1118
Statement attributable to Luis Guardia, president, Food Research & Action Center
WASHINGTON, January 18, 2021 — The Food Research & Action Center (FRAC) celebrates the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his inspiration for our efforts to end poverty-related hunger in the United States.
Within the anti-hunger and anti-poverty world, King continues to be lauded for his belief that eradicating hunger is essential to establishing a more just society. We at FRAC thoroughly embrace his philosophy. “Why should there be hunger and privation in any land, in any city, at any table when man has the resources and scientific know-how to provide all mankind with the basic necessities of life,” said King.
He will continue to be remembered for his fight against inequality, inequity, and poverty, and for his transformational leadership — the kind of leadership that is needed now than ever before.
The Trump administration repeatedly pushed harmful rules for entitlement programs, incited civil unrest and divisiveness, and led a failed public health response to the coronavirus. The lack of leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic has pushed millions into extreme poverty, disproportionately affecting women and people of color.
FRAC applauds President-elect Joe Biden for releasing a relief bill that commits to extending several benefits for as long as the pandemic continues. Ensuring people have access to vital programs and basic needs is essential to achieving equality among all people now and for years to come, and we cannot lose momentum on the road to investments in critical food programs.
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For 50 years, the Food Research & Action Center has been the leading national nonprofit organization working to eradicate poverty-related hunger and undernutrition in the United States. To learn more, visit FRAC.org and follow us on Twitter and on Facebook.
