There should be no barriers to accessing food in the United States. Yet in Oregon, 1 in 9 adults and 1 in 7 children struggle with food insecurity.

At the start of the pandemic, Congress expanded the child tax credit and provided free school lunches. With those programs facing expiration, hunger is a constant concern for many families. Recently I hosted a roundtable discussion with food security advocates from across the state.

They all said that this crisis is getting worse.

Listen to what Oregon Food Bank CEO Susannah Morgan had to say:

"We are back in the worst level of hunger that this country has seen since the 1930s."

Congress can and should do more to help.

We recently passed the Keep Kids Fed Act, which provides essential funding and flexibility for schools and child care centers that provide healthy food for our children.

Although I am thankful for this action, it doesn't go far enough. We must end the stigma around hunger. "Lunch shaming" stories are heartbreaking, and there is no reason for that to happen to our students. I will continue to advocate for free school meals for all children.

I'm hopeful that the conversations during the upcoming Biden-Harris Administration's Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health will lead to meaningful solutions and help families get the healthy food they need.

If you are able, please consider donating to your local food pantry or the Oregon Food Bank.

Donate to the Oregon Food Bank

Thank you for standing with me,

Suzanne