Hoyer Makes Delivery to Prince George's County Food Pantry
Riverdale, MD - Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD) visited the SEED Food Distribution Center in Prince George's County on Monday, December 15, to deliver food items and other necessities collected by his office. Rep. Hoyer's visit was intended to highlight the challenges facing the area's hungry and raise awareness about what people can do to help combat hunger in their communities.
"As the holidays approach, we are reminded about those who struggle to put food on the table during these difficult economic times," stated Rep. Hoyer. "Even a modest donation of food or other needed items is a contribution towards the effort to combat hunger and help our neighbors in this time of great need."
During the current economic decline, many charitable organizations have seen their contributions decrease at the very same time the demand for help has risen. The resulting shortage of resources has hampered the efforts of food banks, pantries and other charitable organizations to help local communities at a time when hunger remains a serious problem in the Washington Metropolitan Area.
According to the Capital Area Food Bank, 900,000 Marylanders are at risk of hunger. Additionally, 1 in 5 children is at risk of or experiencing hunger in Montgomery and Prince George's Counties.
In September, the House passed an economic recovery package - the Job Creation and Unemployment Relief Act - that among other items, included a temporary increase in food stamp benefits. Unfortunately, Senate Republicans denied a final vote on the bill, and President Bush continues to show no interest in advancing stimulus legislation in the final days of his Administration. The next Congress plans to make the economic recovery package one of the first orders of business to ensure the President-elect Obama can sign this essential legislation into law as soon as he takes office.
"This economy, which has lost more than 2 million jobs this year alone, has been devastating for workers and their families," concluded Hoyer. "The new Congress will work together with President Obama to pass an economic recovery bill as quickly as possible in order to help millions of Americans get back to work and put our nation back on a path of economic stability and growth."
Many local charitable organizations are currently experiencing food shortages and are in need of donations. More information is at:
Maryland Food Bank http://www.mdfoodbank.org/
Capital Area Food Bank http://www.capitalareafoodbank.org/
SEED http://www.seedinc.org/
###