Bread for the World Statement on the Families First Coronavirus Response Act
Webinar: The Impact of Coronavirus on Malnutrition and the Public Health System Mar 19 at 4:00 pm
Washington, D.C.—Bread for the World today released the following statement in support of H.R. 6201, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.
“Bread for the World commends the House of Representatives for bipartisan passage of H.R. 6201, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. We urge the Senate to immediately pass this vital legislation. COVID-19 is a hunger issue. While it is likely to affect everyone, COVID-19 will hit low-income families and poor countries the hardest,” said Rev. David Beckmann, president of Bread for the World.
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act provides additional emergency funding to address the health and economic effects of the virus. It expands food security initiatives – including SNAP, senior meals, and support for food banks. With thousands of schools closing, the legislation ensures children who receive free or reduced school meals continue to get the nutrition they need. Importantly, H.R. 6201 provides free testing for COVID-19 and extends paid leave to people who are sick or need to care for ill family members or children who are out of school. The legislation also strengthens unemployment insurance to help those impacted by the virus make ends meet.
“Bread for the World supports the efforts of Congress and the administration to set political differences aside, recognize the impact COVID-19 could have on the most vulnerable among us, and take action to ensure families receive the support they need,” said Beckmann.
“In the Bible a plague is often seen as a call to prayer and repentance, and God promises to ‘heal the land’ that asks for help and helps people in need (2 Chronicles 7:14). We therefore affirm this act of Congress and join the world in praying for a quick end to this global pandemic and for all those who have been affected,” added Beckmann.
COVID-19 is a hunger issue … low-income families and poor countries will be hit hardest
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