Emily's Response to the 2012 Anti-Hunger Policy Conference in DC

Every year the Greater Chicago Food Depository offers a limited number of scholarships for member agency representatives to attend the National Anti-Hunger Policy Conference in Washington, DC.  To apply next year, look for the scholarship application that is sent out in December.  

We will be featuring three guest bloggers from Food Depository member agencies who will share their experiences at this year’s conference.  The third is Emily Jackson, Foundation President of Lutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois.

I was fortunate enough to receive a scholarship from the Greater Chicago Food Depository which allowed me to attend the 2012 National Anti Hunger Policy Conference.  The facts and energy I gained from my time in DC surpassed my expectations.  Feeding America, Food Research and Action Center (FRAC), the Food Depository, Representative Jan Schakowsky and so many others are committed to engaging constituents in their efforts to ensure that Congress funds TEFAP, SNAP, CSFP and other nutrition benefit programs through the 2013 Farm Bill. At the conference I discovered that: 

• Every $1 spent on SNAP benefits puts $1.76 back into the local economy.
• The average SNAP recipient receives benefits for only 8 – 10 months.
• That 25% of food commodities distributed through local food pantries comes from the USDA through TEFAP.

Knowing this makes it virtually impossible not spread the word.  Join me and tell your local politicians, friends, and family that while Americans are still vulnerable we need to provide them with the nutrition needed to bounce back. We can work together to maintain these crucial benefit programs and strive to end hunger across the country!