Second Harvest Column - 03/22/2007

For many of us it ends right there. These systems have become so complex that it is almost beyond our ability to know why decisions are made and who they might affect. We can be very trusting. We can also be very unhappy if the results hit home in a negative way.

I say these things because I find myself confounded by politics. Yet, as executive director of Second Harvest Food Bank of East Central Indiana, I am called on to persuade legislators at all levels of government to do the right thing for people who are hungry and those at the brink of hunger.

For many of us it ends right there. These systems have become so complex that it is almost beyond our ability to know why decisions are made and who they might affect. We can be very trusting. We can also be very unhappy if the results hit home in a negative way.

I say these things because I find myself confounded by politics. Yet, as executive director of Second Harvest Food Bank of East Central Indiana, I am called on to persuade legislators at all levels of government to do the right thing for people who are hungry and those at the brink of hunger.

I care about many things in our city, state and country. I care about good and affordable education, a healthy economy, fair wages and fair benefits, affordable and accessible medical care, safe roads, safe food, safe transportation, clean air, clean water, decent and affordable housing. I care about our treatment of our neighbors and our place in the global community. I care about the environment and in preserving our natural resources. I want us all to live peacefully and without fear of one another.

Not only do I care about these things, I want my government to care too, and to enact rules and laws that get it all done. Here is where the pinch comes in. Here is where we get the churn. Here is where we don't really want to give up one thing in order to get another. We want it all. And we want it at the lowest possible tax cost.  If we had an aerial view, we would see each city, every state and our federal government full of hot spots as we prepare for elections or push forth legislation. If it were all in color, we would have a spectacular light show as we clash and dash, dodge and charge, so many with such different opinions.

In spite of all of that, do we not have some responsibility as a government to focus on basic needs? I, of course, say yes, we do. In part, I believe it is because the need is much greater than can be addressed by one of us, or some of us. It takes all of us through political strength and resolve. Yes, I know that if the jobs, the pay, the benefits, the transportation, the child-care, and the education were there for all, we would not have so many struggling to feed themselves and their families. But those things are not in place for all. Until they are, we must not turn our backs on 35 million people, including 12.5 million children and 3.6 million seniors, who live in poverty in our nation. We must take action to ensure that they and the millions more who are not making a living wage, have a safety net in place.

The challenge becomes this. How do I as an individual make a difference? Is it enough to express to the mayor, town council, county commissioners and others that I care about people in need in our community and expect them to also? Do I need to come up with an idea for them so they can take action? What about declaring via proclamation our community to be a Hunger Free Zone? What about a mayor's commission on hunger and poverty? What about a letter from these officials to the US congress stating how important it is for the people in our communities to have a strong nutrition title in the 2007 Farm Bill?

What about our state representatives? What do they need to hear from you and me to best represent the needs of hungry people? I have to believe that just letting them know we care will make a difference. If they need suggestions, what if we ask our Indiana reps to follow the lead in Ohio and set aside $14 million dollars of state money to buy Hoosier grown foods for needy people? Maybe we can ask if something can be done with farm land that lies fallow to grow edible crops for food banks.

Nationally, we have got to put on the blinders and stay focused. There are so many expenditures trying to find their way into the federal budget. If you want to take action and make a difference for people in need in your community, the next paragraph contains the message for you to convey to Congress.

"Please put "First Things First" and work to pass a budget resolution that includes a significant spending increase for pressing needs that have been neglected for years, especially food stamps. There are 35 million people in the U.S. in households that face a constant struggle against hunger.  Food Stamps should be available to more needy people and should be made adequate for attaining a healthy diet.  A strong nutrition title of the 2007 Farm Bill is a must."

Call 1-800-459-1887 (toll-free) and ask the Capitol Switchboard operator to connect you to your member of Congress' office. If you don't know your Representative's or Senators' names go to http://www.congressmerge.com/onlinedb/index.htm

My experience is that you will be listened to with respect and interest. We are, after all, the people for whom they are working.

Lois Rockhill is Executive Director of Second Harvest Food Bank of East Central Indiana, Inc.

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