Boozman Works to Eliminate Hunger and Improve Nutrition
 

Before eating I say a prayer, but too many families are not fortunate enough to say grace before their meals because too often they go without. The lack of food on tables for families is a problem that is becoming more prevalent. September is designated as National Hunger Action Month and this is an issue that I believe we can and must make a significant impact on.  

According to the most recent U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) data, over 36.2 million Americans go experience “food insecurity,” including 12.4 million children, 3.5 million of whom are under the age of 5. About one-third of food insecure households actually have to reduce their food intake on occasion because of their financial circumstances.  Furthermore, one in five Americans participates in at least one of USDA’s nutritional programs during the calendar year. Unfortunately, these are statistics from 2007 and hunger is most likely worse today than this data reflects. This is the case in the Third District. The Northwest Arkansas Food Bank is witnessing the effects of the recession and estimating that it is on target to distribute more than four million pounds of food this year, almost double what it distributed in 2007.

Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA) and I are partners and co-chairs of the House Hunger Caucus, and I believe we should work to identify a range of legislative improvements or reforms that can be made in federal policy related to hunger.  In order for our efforts to be successful, I will rely heavily on the input, guidance, and advice of individuals and organizations in the Third Congressional District who, as a core part of their missions, work to eliminate hunger and improve nutrition.

Help from programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, the Emergency Food Assistance Program and the Child Nutrition programs provide millions of Americans with assistance, but more can be done. The Hunger Caucus, a bipartisan coalition of Members of Congress committed to fighting hunger and food insecurity, is working to raise awareness and resources to address hunger issues both here at home and around the world. I also believe the most important priority of hunger-relief programs should be helping people become self-sufficient.

In August, I hosted a discussion with local leaders from hunger-relief organizations about their needs and the increased demand for their services during the recession. From this meeting we identified a number of important steps we can take to improve hunger-relief work locally. The most common suggestions included improving the coordination of existing efforts and programs, making sure comprehensive information is available to hunger-relief workers and volunteers, providing better transportation options for those who seek help, and expanding the efforts of the faith and health care communities.  I am committed to helping find solutions to the problems we have identified.

On Monday, I hosted a follow-up Hunger-Relief and Nutrition Roundtable.  We were blessed to have great input both from the local, state, and national levels. Dr. Janey Thornton, the Deputy Under Secretary of Agriculture for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services participated in the roundtable. This was a great discussion that I hope will result in action in the private and public sectors. 

Among the issues addressed was the importance of combating childhood obesity by encouraging good habits at an early age. I am pleased that this is also part of the Administration’s hunger-relief and nutrition goals. I will make it a priority to explore ways to encourage low-income people to consume less fatty and sugary foods and to avoid alternating periods of over-consumption and hunger. One problem is that some people over-consume for a short time after they are paid or receive help and then go hungry as the food runs out. A more healthy and consistent approach to consumption should be encouraged.

I believe that hunger is a solvable problem, but it requires community involvement. The fundamental causes of hunger and food insecurity, such as poverty, must be addressed as well with personal responsibility, socio-economic empowerment, education, hard work, and financial literacy.

We all agree that we need to reach as many hungry and food insecure people as possible. The most important goal must be to ensure that they are able to put nutritious food on their tables so they no longer need to rely on public or private assistance in the future. Please consider what you can do to help eliminate hunger and improve nutrition in your community. Consider making a donation to a hunger-relief organization, like a centralized food bank, or beginning a food pantry at your church. If you have gardening or cooking skills, consider teaching a child how to use these skills to prepare meals that are both appetizing and healthy.

We cannot expect to solve all hunger and nutrition issues in two meetings, but small steps can have big results over time. I am committed to working with my colleagues in Congress, existing federal programs and agencies, and most importantly, our local hunger relief networks to fight hunger in Northwest Arkansas, the United States, and throughout the world. With small individual efforts we can, and will, make a big difference in the lives of many. 

In Case You Missed It 

Read coverage from The Morning News of the Hunger-Relief and Nutrition Roundtable

Congressman Boozman was recognized on the House Floor by his colleague for his work on hunger related issues. Watch the remarks given on the House Floor.

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Crawford and Pope County Mobile Office Events



Share your concerns with the Congressman on Friday, October 9. He will be hosting two Mobile Office Events.

Crawford County Mobile Office
9:00 a.m. to 11:0 a.m. 
Alma Senior Center
248 Collum Land E
Alma, Arkansas

Pope County Mobile Office
1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
The Depot
320 W. "C" Street Russellville, Arkansas
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Honoring Arkansans



Congressman Boozman 
honored Fayetteville resident Keith Morrison as an Angel in Adoption. Morrison is recognized as a champion of adoption issues, placing children from around the world in loving homes. Watch the speech.

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Arkansans in Washington      

   

Click here to see some of the Arkansans Congressman Boozman met with this week. 

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Office Locations 

Lowell                            
213 W. Monroe St.
Suite K
Lowell, AR 72745
(479) 725-0400
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Fort Smith
4943 Old Greenwood
Suite 1
Fort Smith, AR 72903
(479) 782-7787
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Harrison
303 N. Main Street
Suite 102
Harrison, AR 72601
(870) 741-6900
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Washington
1519 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
(202) 225-4301



Current House Floor Proceedings

 Schedule for the Week