By Matt Gross
Last month, I joined Christina Hite and hundreds of other Bread members in Washington, D.C., to ask our elected leaders to end childhood hunger.
Christina works with her church, Imago Dei in Peoria, Ill., to serve hot meals through the Summer Food Service Program, a federally funded summer meals program that is implemented by local nonprofits, schools, and churches. Peoria has one of the largest summer meal gaps — discrepancies between the number of kids who receive a free or reduced-price meal during the school year and those who receive one in the summer — in the country.
Christina has witnessed both the important impact this summer meal program has and its limitations in reaching all who need it. That’s why Christina came to D.C. in June to talk with elected officials. And that’s why she’s working hard to set up an in-district meeting with Rep. Cheri Bustos, her representative in Congress. Ending child hunger is part of her summer plans. Will it be a part of yours?
August is a perfect time to be in conversation with our elected leaders. As senators and representatives are home for the month of August, they host town hall meetings and are available for in-district meetings at their offices. While personalized letters and emails are an effective advocacy tool, in-person conversations with your member of Congress can have an even bigger impact. Check out these advocacy tools and contact your regional organizer for any additional help.
This August, be a part of an end to child hunger. Plan to attend a town hall meeting or set up a meeting with your member of Congress in their district office. Thank you for your advocacy. Together we can close the child hunger gap and ensure that all are fed during the summer and all year long.
Matt Gross is the deputy director of organizing and grassroots capacity building at Bread for the World.
