Press Releases
Kuster Joins NH Food Advocates to Deliver Food, Discusses Efforts to Address Food Insecurity
Nashua,
March 30, 2021
**The Kuster-backed American Rescue Plan Act included expanded funding and benefits to help end food insecurity during COVID-19**
Nashua, N.H. — Today, Rep. Annie Kuster (NH-02), a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and House Agriculture Committee, joined food advocates in Nashua to discuss ongoing efforts to address food insecurity in New Hampshire. Kuster started the day at the St. Joseph Community Services Meals on Wheels and joined volunteers to deliver meals to members of the community. Later, Kuster toured the New Hampshire Food Bank Mobile Food Pantry in Nashua and discussed food insecurity and nutrition assistance resources for New Hampshire in the Kuster-backed American Rescue Plan Act.
“Our dedicated New Hampshire nutrition organizations and advocates have done an incredible job responding to the increase in need during this public health and economic crisis,” said Rep. Kuster. “But, it’s clear that food insecurity existed long before this pandemic, and our food banks, food providers, and dedicated volunteers cannot stem the tide of hunger alone. I was proud to help pass the American Rescue Plan, which provides billions in additional food support to expand SNAP, WIC, and other federal nutrition and food assistance programs at a time when Americans still desperately need it. This is an important step forward to end food insecurity once and for all, and I look forward to building on this framework in Congress to ensure every Granite Stater has food on the table.”
“We’re deeply concerned about the dramatic increase in isolation of our homebound clients that has resulted from the pandemic,” said Jon Eriquezzo, President of Meals on Wheels of Hillsborough County. “We are taking steps to help reduce social isolation, which includes engaging high school students and partnering with local restaurants, and we thank Congresswoman Kuster for volunteering today, and for supporting our cause.”
“Food insecurity has many underlying causes and I think the impact of the pandemic has been a reminder to all of us that any one of us can experience what that feels like at any time,” said Nancy Mellitt, Director of Development, New Hampshire Food Bank. “It’s important to have discussions around what resources are available for our neighbors in need, in addition to what more can be done to help. We’re grateful to Congresswoman Annie Kuster for being a part of that conversation and her continued support towards a more food secure New Hampshire.”
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