Advocate to “Make Hunger History”

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Good Shepherd Voices for Justice Ministry presents justice issues every month and invites your response. In the process of learning about and responding to these issues we believe we can grow in our awareness and deeper understanding of local, national and international needs in light of the values of the Gospels and the principles of Catholic social teaching and then act accordingly. This communal effort offers opportunities for transformation and for furthering the reign of God on earth.

With this in mind, please review this month’s issue and consider taking the recommended action. We estimate it will take you only a few minutes to complete this action. We encourage you also to take time to pray and reflect on the presence of God in the process.

We welcome everyone who is interested in letting their voice be heard for God’s justice – both those in the community of Good Shepherd and beyond.

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This month the Good Shepherd Voices for Justice group joins Bread for the World in their Offering of Letters to advocate to “Make Hunger History” in the United States. We ask our legislators to cosponsor the Hunger Free Communities Act that recommits the nation to cut hunger and food insecurity in the United States in half by 2010 and to commit to ending both by 2015.

The bill would also protect national nutritional programs and help local groups work together toward hunger-free communities. We ask that you write your Senators and Congressman today to support legislation that will achieve the goals to end hunger in the United States.

BACKGROUND

Hunger and food insecurity in the U.S. Hunger is on the rise in the U.S. In 2003, more than 36 million people, including 13 million children were are risk of hunger. This is an increase of 5. 2 million people in 4 years. People are considered food insecure and at risk of hunger in the U. S. when they do not always know where their next meal will come from. Nearly 10 million people live in households where one or more persons skip meals. Often people have to choose between paying the rent or buying food, buying medicines or buying food.

GOOD SHEPHERD CONNECTION

Our Destination Justice Focus Statement states that we believe that a commitment to social justice is as much a part of being a Catholic as the Eucharist is. One of the keys to forming our conscience about social justice is following the 7 Principles of Catholic Social teaching. One of these principles is the Option for the Poor and Vulnerable. Funding efforts to reduce hunger and poverty is in keeping with this principle. We are called to view world events in the light of the Gospels, and speak and act accordingly.

ACTION

Write a letter to your Congressman and Senators to cosponsor the Hunger Free Communities Act that recommits the nation to cutting hunger in half by 2010, protects the national nutrition programs and helps local groups work together toward hunger-free communities.

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Here is a sample letter. We suggest you use your own words where possible.

Rep._____________________ Sen._______________________

U.S. House of Representatives U.S. Senate

Washington, DC, 20515 Washington, DC 20510

Dear Rep.________________________, (Or Dear Sen.______________)

I urge you to cosponsor the Hunger Free Communities Act that calls on both the U.S. Congress and the President to commit to the goals of cutting U.S. food insecurity in half by 2010 and ending hunger in the United States by 2015.

More than 36 million people, including 13 million children, are threatened by hunger. Now is the time for individuals, non-profits and government to come together to make hunger history.

Sincerely,

Your name and address

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For more information, click on to the Bread for the World website, www.bread.org