The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“IN RECOGNITION OF THE FORTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF HARVESTERS” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Agriculture was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E1245 on Oct. 4, 2019.
The Department is primarily focused on food nutrition, with assistance programs making up 80 percent of its budget. Downsizing the Federal Government, a project aimed at lowering taxes and boosting federal efficiency, said the Department implements too many regulations and restrictions and impedes the economy.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
IN RECOGNITION OF THE FORTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF HARVESTERS
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HON. EMANUEL CLEAVER
of missouri
in the house of representatives
Friday, October 4, 2019
Mr. CLEAVER. Madam Speaker, I proudly rise today to celebrate the Fortieth Anniversary of Harvesters and recognize its countless contributions to Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, the Kansas City region, and beyond. As part of a national network of hunger relief organizations, Harvesters is a cornerstone of many communities in the 5th District, and I am truly honored to have such an impactful, admirable organization based in the district I represent.
Harvesters began in Kansas City in 1979 when faith organizations, social service agencies, and businesses partnered to tackle the increasing issue of hunger in the greater Kansas City area. Harvesters is a food bank that acts as a liaison between more than 760 agencies in Missouri and Kansas to coordinate with emergency food pantries, homeless shelters, children's homes, schools, and others to end food insecurity. During its first year of operation, Harvesters administered 155,000 pounds of food within five counties. The nonprofit has only increased in size and reach in the years since.
In 2018, Harvesters distributed 52,572,724 pounds of food throughout twenty-six counties in Missouri and Kansas. As operations expanded and flourished, the United States Department of Agriculture extended a partnership to Harvesters, offering the organization the opportunity to distribute federal commodities to qualifying agencies. In 2011, Harvesters was nationally recognized as the Food Bank of the Year by Feeding America, the largest domestic hunger relief organization in the United States.
Harvesters operates community-wide programs for children, families, and seniors out of its Topeka and Kansas City facilities. The BackSnack program works with schools to provide over 8,000 nutritious snacks and meals each week to children in the greater Kansas City area. The nonprofit has implemented mobile food pantries throughout Missouri's Fifth Congressional District for families that may not otherwise have access to a grocery store. Harvesters also works with the federal government on the Commodity Supplemental Food Program, which delivers boxes of nutritious food to seniors each month. Harvesters is inclusive of all, tailoring each of its programs to the diverse community it serves.
Harvesters set itself apart as an advocate and champion of human dignity in our communities. Throughout its twenty-six county service area, one in eight people are food insecure. The organization recognizes that many individuals and families need food assistance at times, and they strive to provide support with benevolence and compassion. Harvesters staff and volunteers are truly an inspiration to us all.
Madam Speaker, please join with me in celebrating Harvesters' Fortieth Anniversary. Through magnanimous leadership and dedicated service, Harvesters has touched the lives of thousands of residents in Missouri's Fifth Congressional District and beyond. We stand today to celebrate Harvesters' indelible mark on our country and thank them for their enduring work to end hunger in our communities.
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