Your Voice: "Let's focus on programs to combat hunger"
By by Mary-Cabrini Durkin on October 14, 2008
© Cincinnati Enquirer
Ohio's refrigerators and cupboards are not so full these days. Did we ever think our home town would be on the radar screen for World Food Day (October 16).
The media report rising grain and fuel prices, job losses, and the falling value of the dollar. Food banks report unparalleled need.
Congressional candidates in District 2 faced TV cameras and citizens' questions on October 6. They were asked what they would do in the short-term to help low-income families afford high food prices and in the long-term to address root causes of hunger. Commendably, none of the candidates took a "band-aid" approach. David Krikorian noted the interrelationship of food costs here and abroad and spoke about strengthening the dollar. Jean Schmidt addressed fuel costs, significant in a farmer's budget. Victoria Wulsin advocated public and private initiatives and redirecting resources toward job development.
Our struggles mirror those of tens of millions around the world. Parents want to provide healthy nourishment to their children. Students and workers need nutritional energy to be productive. Inadequate diets jeopardize elders.
On World Food Day, let's use our increased awareness to advocate for the hungry wherever the wolf is at the door: at home and in poor countries where the food crisis has even more desperate consequences. The next Congress and administration will have a fresh chance to fight hunger. Reauthorizing child nutrition programs will be on the docket. Undertaking foreign aid reform would save lives and make smarter use of taxpayer dollars. America's security and international standing are enhanced by the "third D" of the 9-11 Commission's report: Development (with Defense and Diplomacy).
In hard times, we can't do it all, so let's focus. We citizens and our representatives must focus on those national and international programs designed to help people who need it most.
Mary-Cabrini Durkin
Cincinnati, OH
