Statement attributed to Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, CEO
“Feeding America congratulates Tom Vilsack on his nomination to be the next Secretary of Agriculture. After serving in that role during the Obama Administration for eight years, Secretary Vilsack joined the Board of Directors of the Feeding America National Office, and we are indebted to him for sharing his wisdom and counsel in the interest of the millions of individuals who are facing hunger in this country. As he returns to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), our most important partner in the fight against hunger, we know he will hit the ground running.
“Every day, the Feeding America network of 200 food banks and 60,000 partner food pantries and meal programs play a key role in bridging the gap between families in need and critical food assistance — but we do not work alone. For decades, USDA — the federal agency that oversees decision-making on food, agriculture, natural resources, rural development, and nutrition — has been a critical partner in achieving Feeding America’s mission. As our country’s hunger crisis deepens in the wake of a public health and economic emergency, Secretary Vilsack’s proven track record of prioritizing federal nutrition programs and supporting U.S. growers and producers will be critical in helping communities that are hurting now.
“Our nation is facing unimaginable challenges — from record unemployment to sky-high grocery prices to a pandemic. As we continue urging our lawmakers to pass a stimulus relief package that will support households facing hunger and take action to ensure food banks continue to have food to help as many families in need as possible, it is clear that the fight to end hunger is only as strong as the partnership between the charitable sector and key policy-makers. Feeding America is looking forward to working with Secretary Vilsack to bolster the policies and programs that will help our communities weather these difficult times.”
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About Feeding America
Feeding America® is the largest hunger-relief organization in the United States. Through a network of more than 200 food banks, 21 statewide food bank associations, and over 60,000 partner agencies, food pantries and meal programs, we helped provide 5.3 billion meals to tens of millions of people in need last year. Feeding America also supports programs that prevent food waste and improve food security among the people we serve; brings attention to the social and systemic barriers that contribute to food insecurity in our nation; and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry. Visit www.feedingamerica.org, find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
