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HungerNetOhio #5.19
Hunger-related Challenges and Opportunities in 09
Email
conversations about "ending
hunger in Ohio through changing conditions
which
cause poverty"
| TO |
Advocates for reducing
hunger |
| FROM |
Hunger Network in
Ohio |
| ABOUT |
Poverty Protection in the year ahead |
o 100,000 Ohioans have already lost jobs in 08
o After a record-setting number of 83,000 last year, housing foreclosures are projected to be over 90,000 by December 31st
o
In any given week in the last twelve months, over 207,000 different
Ohioans receive emergency food assistance, 35% of those being served
are children
With these conclusions to this year, numbers
of those suffering from various forms of economic desperation will
likely be “off the charts” in the year ahead, especially among those
already in poverty's grip. They will be facing harder times ahead than
in recent memory.
All of this, along with the underlying crisis
state revenues and our government's capacity to respond, will reduce
public funding available for emergency relief and social services.
The
Hunger Network in Ohio for more than 30 years has provided a voice for
“the least of these” brothers, sisters, and children in dire straights.
We've also served as the voice of people and communities of faith in
addressing the single-most form of human depravation--lack of food. We
have particularly worked with churches to press for public policy
decisions in the Statehouse and in Washington which will address fairly
and generously the needs of the poorest of the poor in Ohio.
We do this…
…by
educating our elected officials through regular legislative contacts
(“Tuesdays at the Statehouse”) and by providing information and
resources to a network of caring persons across the state so they
themselves can approach legislators (“Plenty” newsletters, “Plenty and
Scarcity” hunger issues workbooks, and these “HungerNetOhio” e-Mail
alerts).
…with modest means, modeling the best stewardship we
can imagine. Our modest budget supports the work of a part-time
director and all our programs.
…by relying heavily and
increasingly on volunteers, those who are willing to step forward to
become advocates for the change we seek.
As the General Assembly
begins a new biennial budget process in Ohio next week, our work will
be more important than ever. And so we ask you to consider how you
could contribute to this cause.
SHORT
CUT:
For
those who insist, "JUST TELL ME
WHAT TO
DO!"SIMPLY
CONTACT BOB ERICKSON, OUR DIRECTOR (<HUNGERNETOHIO.COM>;
614-424-6203) TO DISCUSS YOUR INTERESTS AND EXPLORE WAYS YOU MIGHT
BECOME INVOLVED.
LONG
SUIT:
For
those who plead, "GIVE ME MORE
DETAILS"Hunger Issues 2009
Each
year the Board of Trustees of the Hunger Network in Ohio prioritizes
those areas of concern to devote attention and energy for the coming
year ahead. This statement was adopted on December 10th as our
commitments for 09:
In
cooperation with the ongoing Vote Out Poverty campaign, Ohio
Anti-hunger Task Force, and our ongoing collegial network of human
service advocates, we will work cooperatively within five principal
areas (Hunger, Health care, Homelessness/Housing, Education, and
Employment). Recognizing the hunger implications within each of these
poverty-related indices, urgent food assistance will remain our primary
focus.
In
response to a severely declining economy and financial deficiencies
among Ohioans, we will dedicate ourselves to especially three
dimensions of hunger relief:
o Availability of Emergency Food.
Advocating for increasing state support for the Ohio Association of
Second Harvest Foodbank system, participation in gleaning in
conjunction with the Society of St. Andrew's, generating private
donations in concert with church pantries and the Angel Donor's Fund
o Spread of Benefit Banks.
Working especially with individual church and ecumenical groups
throughout the state to develop expertise in food pantry workers for
helping clients to obtain public sources for which they, through their
economic disparity, qualify
o Supplemental Food Assistance. Promoting federal increase in the amount and availability of “food stamps,” WIC, community meals programs.
What you can do to make a difference
Of course we are dependent upon and welcome financial donations (The Hunger Network in Ohio is a 501(c) (3) organization). Any monetary gifts will be gratefully received and well used.
Yet crucial contributions come in many forms. Here are some ways you can help:
Phone or Email Contact. Respond to these HungerNetOhio email alerts throughout the year
Legislative Visits. Meet with your state senator and representative to express your convictions “up close and personal”
Contact Person. Regularly receive and share information within your congregation on the realities of poverty and ways of fighting it
Education and Training. Gather people in your congregation to study and discuss poverty and how to overcome it
Community Services. Increase the availability of food through
o contributing to and/or help within a local food pantry or soup kitchen
o state and/or participation in gleaning project
o starting an after school, weekend, and summer feeding programs for children
Benefit Banks.
Assist with setting up a state-sponsored program in your
church/community to help desperate people access public economic support
Advocacy Coordination. Help mobilize other advocates within your legislative district to leverage your concerns and the decisions of public officials
Again, contact us and, together, we'll customize ways for you to make a difference in lives of desperate Ohioans this next year.
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