Bread engaging lawmakers on COVID-19 relief package
Webinar: The Impact of Coronavirus on Malnutrition and the Public Health System Mar 19 at 4:00 pm
During this time of uncertainty and fear surrounding COVID-19 (better known as the coronavirus), Bread for the World wants you to know that we are actively engaging lawmakers to address the health and economic effects of the virus. As is often the case, people living in hunger and poverty are likely to suffer the greatest impacts.
Funding for domestic and global nutrition programs are needed now more than ever. Malnutrition weakens peoples’ immune system. Children who are malnourished face long-term health and cognitive consequences. Even people and families who do not contract the virus will be impacted due to loss of work and wages.
Some of the emergency measures Bread is supporting in emergency supplemental funding proposals to help people affected by the coronavirus include:
- Food assistance for families with children who receive free or reduced-price meals if their schools are closed.
- Waivers on SNAP benefit limits for adults without children.
- Additional funding for Women Infants and Children (WIC) to assist pregnant women and mothers with young children.
- An extension of unemployment insurance.
As Congress takes emergency action to respond to the coronavirus outbreak over the next few days, we encourage you to call your senators (800-826-3688) and tell them to immediately pass legislation that addresses the needs of the most vulnerable during this public health crisis!
Out of an abundance of caution, Bread has instructed our Washington, D.C., office staff to work remotely March 13-20. We will reevaluate the situation each week and act accordingly. In addition, we have asked staff to cancel all travel until further notice.
We pray for those already affected by the virus and for a quick return to normalcy.
Funding for domestic and global nutrition programs are needed now more than ever.
Tools
from our Resource Library
For Education
Climate, Racial Equity, and Hunger Series: Latino/a Communities
Climate Change Worsens Hunger in Latino/a Communities
Climate, Racial Equity, and Hunger Series: Indigenous Communities
Climate change threatens the traditions and lifestyles of Indigenous people.
Climate, Racial Equity, and Hunger Series: African American Communities
While climate change impacts everyone, regardless of race, policies and practices around climate have historically discriminated against and excluded people of color.
For Faith
Finding Hope, Ending Hunger on Both Sides of the Border: A Bilingual Latino Devotional
Devotional writers challenge us to feel the Spirit of God within us and to hear God’s urgent call to demand justice so all can put food on the table.The Bible on Health as a Hunger Issue
“As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him and established in faith.” These words from Colossians 2:6 remind us of the faith that is active in love for our neighbors.
The Bible on...
Faith Leaders' Unity Declaration on Racism and Poverty
A diverse body of Christian leaders calls on the churches and Congress to focus on the integral connection.
For Advocacy
Fact Sheet: Coronavirus (COVID-19) and SNAP
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is designed to respond to changes in need, making it well suited to respond to crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fact Sheet: Why We Need $200 Million for Global Nutrition Programs
Bread for the World and its partners are asking Congress to provide $200 million for global nutrition.
Fact Sheet: Hunger by the Numbers
In 2017, 11.8 percent of households in the U.S.—40 million people—were food-insecure, meaning that they were unsure at some point during the year about how they would provide for their next meal.