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.
“VALUABLE ROLE FOOD BANKS PLAY” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Agriculture was published in the House of Representatives section on pages H4650-H4651 on Sept. 22, 2020.
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:
VALUABLE ROLE FOOD BANKS PLAY
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Thompson) for 5 minutes.
Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, earlier this month we celebrated National Food Bank Day. Each year on the first Friday in September, we have an opportunity to recognize the valuable role that food banks play in our communities and offer thanks to the tireless volunteers who help feed hunger-challenged families nationwide.
No matter the time of the year, food banks and food pantries support our neighbors in need with access to food, and throughout the pandemic, we have seen just how critical this access can be.
In 2018, more than 37 million Americans were considered food insecure, including 11 million children. The Department of Agriculture, defines food insecurity as ``a lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life.''
Healthy families need access to quality, nutritious food. As a former chairman of the Committee on Agriculture Subcommittee on Nutrition, Oversight, and Department Operations, this is an issue that I feel very passionately about.
I am pleased to see the success of USDA's Farmers to Families Food Box program and have heard a lot of positive feedback from volunteers and food bank staff in my district.
Through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, or CFAP, the USDA has delivered more than 90 million boxes of fresh, delicious, nutritious food to families in need. Fresh fruits and vegetables, milk and dairy products, meat and more have been distributed by food banks, community centers, and churches nationwide.
I would be remiss if I didn't mention how helpful this has been for our farmers and ranchers as well. Earlier in the pandemic, we heard too many stories of dairy farmers dumping their milk and crops going to waste. The Farmers to Families Food Box program allows farmers to sell their products and crops to be used in the boxes which has reduced waste.
John, from the Christian Food Bank of Elk County in my district, called the boxes a ``Godsend,'' noting that recipients were deeply appreciative and amazed by the quality and variety of the food.
Mel Curtis, director of the Centre County YMCA, said the boxes have been extremely helpful for families because the boxes provide goods that individuals and families with limited income may have to forego at the grocery store.
I would like to give a special shout-out to Mel Curtis and all of the other hardworking people at the Centre County YMCA. I have been particularly impressed with their high energy, can- do spirit, and constant commitment to serving families in the Centre region. Mel and his team are always innovating and thinking of new ways to reach out to the community.
I was pleased to join the Centre County YMCA this summer for a Travelin' Table event to collect donations of food and to pack grab-
and-go lunches for local students. Travelin' Table is a mobile feeding bus. Typically, the bus makes six to eight stops a day delivering food, but operations have been kicked into high gear during the pandemic thanks to the YMCA team.
Mr. Speaker, that Travelin' Table, that mobile feeding bus, was made possible largely through a grant from USDA with rural economic development, and just a tremendous impact that that has had at a critical time that all of our families across this Nation are facing.
This kind of attitude and commitment to service is a beacon of hope during these times, Mr. Speaker.
I thank the Centre County YMCA, the Christian Food Bank of Elk County, and all of our other food bank staff and volunteers who are helping families in their communities.
A special shout-out also to Patti Long, for her volunteer efforts in my own home community of Howard.
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