Learn about Volunteering to End Hunger!

Dear Supporter, Thankfully, the shutdown is over. But given the political chaos in our nation’s capital over the past several weeks, I know it can be easy to lose sight of what we’re working for. Between the government shutdown, the Farm Bill, and the ongoing budget battles over cuts to vital anti-hunger programs, it is easy to become disillusioned and frustrated with Washington and our elected officials. However, as you know, the fight against hunger isn’t only happening inside the DC beltway. It’s happening every day in every community across the country. I know we’ve been talking a great deal about the impact Congress is having on our mission—and we will continue to do so—but it’s important to remember that meanwhile, our food banks are hard at work helping to feed your neighbors who are struggling. During these challenging times, our food banks need your help more than ever. So, while the government is stuck in neutral, it’s a great time to volunteer at your local food bank to help fight hunger in your community. We will keep fighting for anti-hunger programs here in Washington, but let’s take a moment to remember what we are fighting for—to ensure that nobody goes hungry in America. So, if you’re like most people and tired of feeling frustrated with Congress, please volunteer at your local food bank and make a big difference in your community. Brett Weisel Director of Advocacy Feeding America Meet Jim, Real Stories of SNAP For more than 40 years, Jim worked as a mechanic. When the economy crashed, business stopped. For rural clients like Jim the challenges of lower levels of education and concentration of low-wage industries can be hard to overcome. Jim knew he needed to apply for SNAP benefits (formerly known as food stamps) when after waiting for a customer payment all day - it simply never arrived. Without a cracker in the house he applied for food assistance and is glad he did. He would have had no other way to eat. Meet Jim watch his video and share his story to educate others about how critical SNAP benefits are for hungry Americans. Watch and share Jim's story now» Share this Help Prevent Cuts to Anti-Hunger Programs On November 1, 2013, all SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly know as food stamps) recipients will see a reduction in their benefit levels because of legislation passed by the United States Congress in 2010. Cuts that will equal 1.9 billion meals no longer available to the children, seniors, and disabled that rely on their SNAP benefits to help put food on the table. That is more than half of what the entire Feeding America network will distribute in the entire year! You should also know that Congress is considering adding even larger cuts to SNAP benefit levels and eligibility. Decisions that impact Americans struggling with hunger in your community and across the country are being made right now. Use your voice to help prevent these cuts by telling your members of Congress to protect anti-hunger programs. Tell Congress to protect anti-hunger programs»   76% of SNAP recipient households include a child, elderly person, or disabled person. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), previously known as food stamps, helps over 47 million low-income Americans put food on the table by providing benefits that are timely, targeted, and temporary. Learn how SNAP works and who qualifies for assistance»   Share this We need your help to tell the story of hunger in America and how it’s affecting real people in local communities across the nation. Your story can help change the way people look at hunger and motivate them to join the fight. Please share your story today» Fighting Rural Hunger in the Face of SNAP Cuts - Bob Aiken, Feeding America CEO It may seem like a paradox, but in the land of plenty, more than plenty are in need. In America today, 49 million people struggle with hunger—including 16 million children and 3 million seniors. Your neighbor, coworker or even a close friend may be wondering where they will find their next meal. When cuts are made to federal nutrition programs like SNAP, charities are left to fill the gap. Feeding America does everything it can to make sure no one goes hungry, but charity alone cannot fill the $40 billion hole that could be left if the most recently proposed cuts to SNAP are approved. And the need resulting from SNAP cuts will be particularly hard to fill in rural America. In addition to having disproportionally high rates of hunger and poverty, rural America poses a unique set of challenges in getting food to people in need. Delivery, donation and distribution obstacles abound and the stigma of seeking help is greater. Read more of Bob's article and the challenges our network will face with the pending cuts to federal nutrition programs. Hunger Champion “Living in poverty like conditions at times, it's an issue to me that several of my fellow American citizens are in need of food and nutrition assistance. As a donor, I strive to overcome hunger by donating to Feeding America and in the process end the dilemma of Hunger in America.”   Jorge - Los Angeles, CA HUNGER QUIZ The average monthly SNAP benefit per person provides how much per meal?    Less than $1.50   More than $2.50   Less than $4.50 Local Food Pantries here in Montcalm and Ionia Counties are also looking for volunteers! It is easy to find volunteer needs at United Way Montcalm-Ionia Counties volunteer management website at this direct link to the Community Food Network page. If you don't see something there you can contact a pantry near you.  Use the CFN Google Map to find the closest pantry. View Community Food Network in a larger map Or find additional information at the Community Food Network website!