1980-01 Resolution on Hunger in America

80-1 RESOLUTION ON HUNGER IN AMERICA

BACKGROUND

Hunger in the United States is a grave problem. Bread for the World reported that 10 million U.S. citizens may be seriously undernourished, just citizens, not immigrants legal or illegal. An undernourished person is an individual whose body does not receive sufficient food to function normally. This often means insufficient calories and/or insufficient quantities of vitamins or proteins.

In April 1979, the U.S. Subcommittee on Nutrition of the U.S. Senate heard Dr. R. Wheeler of the Charlotte Medical Center in Charlotte, N.C. He stated, “As a matter of fact, there is reason to believe that the real incidence of poverty is higher than the poverty statistics indicate; but whether the real poverty count is 25 million people in this county or even the more likely 30 million people, the incredible fact remains that in this country there is an enormous number of people who are living at or below the federally-defined poverty level, and by definition, if their income is at or below the poverty level, they cannot afford to purchase a minimally adequate diet unless they receive some type of assistance.” The poverty line, as defined by the Department of Agriculture, is $7,160/year for a family of four.

The Center of Disease Control (CDC) is compiling facts and statistics in a limited number of states concerning undernourished people. Bread for the World intends to expand this research to encompass the entire United States. House Joint Resolution 460 and Senate Joint Resolution 133 call for nutrition monitoring systems. If such a system were to become law, problem areas in the United States would be identified. It would also give the United States a chance to be more efficient with its aid. This would force an understanding of the severity and magnitude of the problem.

Finally, Christ calls us to aid our brothers and sisters everywhere, which means we should not neglect those in need in America, yet still continue our aid overseas.

RESOLVED

1. That members of LSM-USA write their Congresspersons requesting their support of House Joint Resolution 460 and Senate Joint Resolution 133.

2. That members of LSM-USA educate themselves on hunger-related issues through Bible studies and seeking resources from local hunger organizations.

3. That LSM-Michigan State University compile an information packet containing facts on American and world hunger and comparisons of both. The packet will include a reading list and an action resource list. It will be available from the LSM-USA office at 35 E. Wacker Drive, Suite 1847, Chicago, Illinois 60601.