Addressing Hunger Must Remain Top Priority for Policymakers
Yesterday concluded the historic 2020 presidential election, which took place amid the backdrop of unprecedented food insecurity and economic turmoil in the wake of COVID-19.
In response, Abby J. Leibman, MAZON’s President & CEO said:
“While there may be uncertainty about the final results of our national election and its implications, we at MAZON remain clear that regardless of the outcome, unprecedented millions of Americans woke up today still not knowing if they can feed themselves and their families.
“Our work is more urgent than ever and the responses of our leaders more vital than ever. Jewish values and traditions command us to ensure that our communities, our states, and our nation will never turn away from those struggling with food insecurity. Our principles anchor us and provide clarity, courage, and resilience. We will fight for the 80 million Americans facing hunger — not judge them, but support them; not blame them, but encourage them; not vilify them, but empower them.
We must make it a priority to ensure that our federal, state, and local leaders move quickly to strengthen and expand programs like SNAP (formerly food stamps) for all those in need. We will continue to cultivate and promote resources in every state, advance solutions for populations that are ignored and sometimes overlooked, and implore Congress to enact a COVID-19 response bill that boosts SNAP benefits. COVID-19 continues to devastate communities around the country, and with a growing number of Americans experiencing hunger, it is more important than ever that our leaders respond with the wisdom, compassion, and urgency that this moment demands.”