Buffalo News Oped: Health care reform must also address hunger

What has been tragically lost in the debate about health care is the connection to the hunger crisis in our country. According to Feeding America there are 42.2 million people living in food-insecure households, including more than 13 million children.

As families struggle to put food on the table, they are also vulnerable to health issues from the lack of nutrition. Bread for the World estimates $160 billion a year in health-related costs because of hunger in America. Its report states, “people who can’t always afford nutritious food have disproportionately higher rates of chronic diseases and poor health.”

So as Congress debates a new health care law, members should also be considering the costs of hunger, which have such a huge impact.

See my commentary in the Buffalo News (Sunday edition, July 2nd)

Column: Remember the hungry this Christmas

No one should go hungry, especially at this time of year. There is enough food on the planet for everyone.

Communities and nations are stronger when people are fed and nourished. So let’s make sure no one goes hungry this holiday season and throughout the year.

See my column at Cincinnati.com

Christmas in July Arrives for Ohio Charity

Summer is a tough time for St. Vincent de Paul, a leading charity fighting hunger in Cincinnati, Ohio. Hunger rates are high where St. Vincent de Paul-Cincinnati operates, well above the national and state averages according to Feeding America.

But donations go down during the summer compared to the holiday giving season. With schools closed, many needy children lose access to the free lunches they get during the academic year. Impoverished families need even more help during the summer months.

While St. Vincent de Paul-Cincinnati has been struggling with this summer crisis, outside the city a different problem has been taking place at Burwinkel Farms of Ross, Ohio.

Read the full article at The Huffington Post:

Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive vital to stop summer hunger

This Saturday, May 14, you can take action to feed the hungry just by leaving non-perishable food by your mailbox. It's the national Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive. It helps fight hunger by providing much needed support to Feeding America foodbanks all across the country.

On the morning of May 14 you are asked to leave non-perishable food items by your mailbox. These can be items like pasta, rice, peanut butter or any foods that have a long shelf life. Your donations of food will be picked up by your letter carrier that same day.

Read the full article at Examiner.

My Pensacola News Journal Oped on Stamp Out Hunger

What if we had the power to end hunger in America? We could bring a source of stability and hope to every community.

On Saturday, we have this chance with The National Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive.

You are asked to leave nonperishable food next to your mailbox. These would be items liked boxed cereals, rice, pasta and other foods that have a long shelf life.

Read my full commentary in the Pensacola News Journal:

My Bennington Banner Oped On Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive

What if we had the power to end hunger in America? We could bring a source of stability and hope to every community.

On Saturday, May 14 we have this chance with The National Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive.

You are asked to leave non-perishable food next to your mailbox. These would be items liked boxed cereals, rice, pasta and other foods that have a long shelf life.

Read my full commentary in the Bennington Banner:

First Lady of Virginia speaks out against hunger

Dorothy McAuliffe, the First Lady of Virginia, wants to do something the presidential candidates have failed to do: make hunger a top issue. Speaking today at the 2016 National Anti-Hunger Policy Conference, McAuliffe said it's a disgrace for the world's most powerful nation to have hungry citizens.

 Read the full article at Examiner.

Primary state South Carolina has high hunger rates

South Carolina is the next presidential primary (Feb.20) with debates taking place tonight for the Democrats and Saturday for the Republicans. One of the big issues facing the state is hunger, especially among children.

Read the full article at Examiner:

Feeding America supports the Stop Child Summer Hunger Act

Feeding America says it strongly supports new legislation to end the summer hunger crisis. The Stop Child Summer Hunger Act of 2015 would provide an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card to low-income families.

Read the full article at Examiner.

Look for this label on your groceries

The next time you are in the kitchen check your grocery labels for a red push pin. If you find one, you can help feed a hungry child.

Read the full article at Examiner.

Take a bite out of child hunger pangs this summer: William Lambers (Opinion)

Summer is coming, but sadly it’s not all about fun. With the summer sun comes an increase in child hunger across the United States. That is because, with schools closed, needy children lose access to the free lunches and breakfasts offered there.

Read my full commentary at The Cleveland Plain Dealer.

Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive on Saturday

This Saturday, May 9, is the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive. It takes place nationwide.

You are asked to leave canned food donations by your mailbox on Saturday morning. These should be non-perishable canned food items.

Read more at Examiner.

Learn about hunger in your congressional district

A new, interactive map by Feeding America lets you find out the rate of hunger in your state, county and congressional district. The Map the Meal Gap 2015 lets you see where hunger resides in America.

Read the article at Examiner.

Teacher's Facebook wish inspires donation

A holiday wish will bring joy to millions into the new year. Last month, teacher Maggie Hillman posted a message on Facebook wishing that hungry families would get the food they desperately need.

Read the full article at Examiner.

Ohio hard hit by SNAP cuts

The Ohio Association of Foodbanks says the state is losing ground in the fight against hunger. More than two million Ohio residents are needing help from the state’s emergency food bank system.

Read the full article at Examiner.

Celtics, Bruins and Patriots take on hunger

The Boston Celtics, the Bruins and the New England Patriots have produced some of the greatest teams in sports history. Championship banners prove it.

Read the full article at Examiner.

Disney brings 'after school special' to Feeding America

Disney and Feeding America have teamed up for a very important “after school special.” Last month Disney donated $ 1 million to Feeding America, the nation’s largest hunger relief organization.

Read the full article at Examiner.

Giving Tuesday: walk, run or bike and feed the hungry

There is a very easy way to feed the hungry on Giving Tuesday, or any day. All you need is a smartphone.

Read the full article at Examiner.

Black Friday: How you can feed the hungry while shopping

As Black Friday arrives, people across the country are getting a start on holiday shopping. There are some ways your purchases can help the hungry and poor around the world.

Read the full article at Examiner.

A tale of two heroes against cancer and hunger

Two new heroes have emerged this year. Each has shown amazing courage, leadership and generosity in helping others. They have achieved all this despite having brain cancer.

Read the full article at Examiner.