Every August, our lawmakers on Capitol Hill go on August recess, which is less of a summer break for legislators and more of a work period during which senators and representatives return to their home states and districts.
August recess provides the perfect opportunity for the Feeding America network of 200 food banks and 60,000 partner pantries and meal programs to invite members of Congress and their staff to events to witness firsthand the powerful impact that food banks are making in communities across the nation. Food bank site visits, in-district meetings, community events, and other activities are effective ways for legislators to learn more about food banks and the people we serve, making lasting impressions that can help propel important anti-hunger policies forward.
Since the beginning of this year’s recess period, Feeding America food banks have hosted events with members of Congress to help uplift how hunger impacts their constituents and drive home why Congress must support legislation that will strengthen federal nutrition programs to put more food on more tables.
Here are three great examples of how food banks have engaged lawmakers on the issue of hunger this August recess.
1. Second Harvest Heartland (Minnesota)
Second Harvest Heartland hosted several key decision-makers at their facility, including United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack and Representative Dean Phillips (D-MN).
“This is a place where miracles happen every day.” Thank you @SecVilsack for visiting our facility, thanking our volunteers, and leading this hunger fight. pic.twitter.com/vK4g15Mg65
— Second Harvest Heartland (@2harvest) August 13, 2021
2. Los Angeles Regional Food Bank (California)
Rep. Linda Sánchez (D-CA) sprang into action this August recess, volunteering at a drive-thru food distribution coordinated by the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.
A big thank you, @RepLindaSanchez, for volunteering at today’s drive-through food distribution. Fighting food insecurity takes the whole community and we are so grateful for everyone involved in making our work possible. Together, #WeFeedLA. pic.twitter.com/K2UjOwS6zg
— LA Regional Food Bank (@LAFoodBank) August 11, 2021
3. Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano (California)
All within one week, the Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano hosted Representative Mike Thompson (D-CA) at their new warehouse and had the chance to connect with Representative Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA) to elevate their anti-hunger priorities.
What a busy week! We had the opportunity to host @RepThompson at our new warehouse, connect with @MarkDeSaulnier over Zoom, and set a new record for packing #KitchenFreeBoxes with 2000 boxes ready to go in just 2hrs 15min! Now it’s your turn! Tell us how you #fighthunger! pic.twitter.com/J1WHbJuhKy
— foodbankccs (@foodbankccs) August 14, 2021
Check out Feeding America’s COVID-19 recovery priorities for ensuring fewer families go to bed hungry, and explore how you can take action today to support our neighbors without enough to eat.
