The May 21st front page article ‘ Mobile Food Pantry Coming to Brunswick’ begs a fundamental question: how can so many Mainers, including 1 in 4 children, suffer from ‘food insecurity’ in arguably the richest country in the world? What, besides the heroic efforts by food pantries, community groups and churches that offer free food and meals, can be done to fill the gaps created by national cut-backs in the SNAP ( food stamps) program? What can be more important than to give our young people the needed nutrition for physical and educational growth?

The mission of Bread for the World — an ecumenical, faith- based national non-profit organization — is to urge our U.S. senators and representatives to support legislation to eliminate world hunger. This work is being done in Maine and across the country by conducting spring ‘Offering of Letters’ in numerous churches of all denominations, asking our elected officials to take action to address the local, national and international issue of hunger. We know that there is enough food in the world to feed everyone. Where is the political will of our elected officials to ensure proper nutrition for our young people — our future?

Perhaps a state- level writing initiative would bring this issue to our State Legislature, urging them to use their political expertise and knowledge in solving the state-wide problem with hunger. No doubt our legislators are confronted with many urgent issues, but should ensuring adequate nutrition for our children not be among their top priorities?

Imagine what your life would be like if you went to bed hungry each night? Imagine yourself as a child in that situation? We believe that something can — must — be done to address the problem of hunger in our midst.

If you agree with our concerns, please contact your state legislators and let them know that you expect them to work for a solution to “food insecurity” — also known as ‘hunger’ — and that this would include their being in touch with our national legislators in a combined effort to eliminate hunger.

Christine A. DeTroy,
Rev. Dr. Karen L. Munson, Patsy Norton and
Frank Wnek
Bread For The World,
Maine