DeLauro Leads Panel Discussion on Importance of Nutrition, Anti-Hunger Programs

New Haven, CT— Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (CT-3) led a panel discussion this morning on the importance of anti-hunger programs critical for Connecticut children, families and seniors. The panel, held in New Haven, focused on the impact proposed cuts to food stamps and other critical programs would have in Connecticut and across the nation and what actions their supporters need to take to prevent those cuts. Over 405,000 people rely on food stamps in Connecticut alone.

"In my congressional district nearly one in seven households last year was not sure if they could afford enough food to feed their families. They face the risk of hunger every day." DeLauro said. "In times when families are struggling day in and day out, our food security policies are even more vital. That is why I am fighting in Congress against proposals that would devastate our federal anti-hunger and public health programs. Millions of families depend on them for their health and well-being, but despite the proven benefits, we are still facing repeated attempts to decimate programs like Food Stamps, Women with Infant Children, emergency food assistance and healthy school meals.

"We may see legislation on the House floor as early as next week that would cause harm for countless families in Connecticut and across the country. I take these attacks very seriously. There used to be a tradition of bipartisanship on hunger and nutrition, but today's Republicans have unfortunately taken to denouncing our anti-hunger efforts. That is why all of us who do support anti-hunger and nutrition programs need to step up and fight to ensure they receive the funding that will help keep families from making terrible choices between food and other necessities."

Congressional Republicans recently passed a budget that would cut the food stamp program relied on by more than 46 million Americans to keep food on the table. Congress also needs to pass a Farm Bill that reauthorizes several critical programs, including food stamps, the Emergency Food Assistance Program and the Commodity Supplemental Food Program.

Speaking on the panel was: Kelly Brownell, Director, Rudd Center; Marlene Schwartz, Deputy Director, Rudd Center; Nancy Carrington, President & CEO, Connecticut Food Bank; Judy Amarone, Manager, North Haven Senior Center; Lucy Nolan, Executive Director, End Hunger Connecticut; Chef Tim, New Haven Public Schools; Katrina Clark, Executive Director, Fair Haven Community Health Center; Sarah Chasse, Regional Coordinator, Connecticut Association for Human Services and Jonathan Reiner, Meals on Wheels.