House passes hunger legislation

Bread for the World
Wednesday, 11 October 2000

Letter-writing campaign helps boost attention on Capitol Hill

WASHINGTON - The House of Representatives today took a step toward cutting hunger in the United States by passing two provisions of the Hunger Relief Act, a bill to strengthen the Food Stamp Program. The provisions passed as part of the Agriculture Appropriations conference report.

The legislation is a victory for low-income people struggling to make ends meet. Bread for the World members across the country generated nearly 100,000 letters to Congress in support of the Hunger Relief Act.

"Clearly, the House has made a courageous move toward helping hungry people," said Rev. David Beckmann, president of Bread for the World. "But two key elements of the Hunger Relief Act have yet to be acted upon.

"Congress and the president must restore food stamp benefits to low-income legal immigrants and increase funding for emergency food services. Surely a rich nation such as ours can afford to help the most vulnerable in our society."

The provisions included in the appropriations bill update and strengthen the Food Stamp Program. One provision raises the cap on the shelter allowance so families with high housing costs can receive food stamp benefits that more accurately reflect their need. The other allows low-income families to own cars worth more than $4,650 and still receive food stamps, a provision crucial for the many food stamp recipients who depend on a reliable car to get to work.

If the legislation becomes law, the food stamp changes will benefit low-income people in nearly a million households.

For more information, or to contact Bread for the World, see their website at: www.bread.org