Take Action, Call on Congress to Reduce Hunger & Food Insecurity Throughout the U.S.

Take Action, Call on Congress to Reduce Hunger & Food Insecurity Throughout the U.S.

Dear Supporters,

Islamic Relief USA is a leading Muslim nonprofit humanitarian and advocacy organization providing lifesaving and life-enhancing aid to the most vulnerable populations in over 40 countries. The United States is among them, but even with all its resources, millions are suffering from hunger and food insecurity.

The ongoing coronavirus pandemic crisis has exacerbated the problem, creating greater inequities along racial and class lines. Legislative action is necessary to make sure food assistance programs are adequately funded and implemented for the long term. The recently passed the American Rescue Plan is a good first step, as it provides a 15 percent increase in benefits to enrollees of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP—formerly known as food stamps), as well as $37 million to extend the Community Supplemental Food Program, which provides food packages to senior citizens.

But hunger is a long-standing problem. IRUSA, in partnership with the Alliance to End Hunger, is asking you to play a role in reducing it. Make the pledge to end the pandemic of hunger and food insecurity! Here are the actions to take:

• PLEDGE: Sign this pledge “I pledge that this year, I will work to end hunger through prayer, service, and advocacy. Feeding America states that one in seven families has reported to have insufficient food. And, one in four children faces hunger due to the pandemic. I commit to preventing hunger as much as possible.”
  

• VOLUNTEER: Register to volunteer or start an IRaise to support IRUSA’s meal packs or both! 
• TWEET THIS:
  As an #advocate for @islamicrelief, I #pledge to call on #Congress members during the month of #August to improve #foodsecurity so that children, senior citizens, and other vulnerable populations don’t go hungry. 
• ADVOCATE:  Contact your members of the U.S. Congress (both the Senate and House of Representatives) to support legislation ending childhood hunger: One of the laws — the Heathy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010—technically expired in 2015, but Congress has continued to fund the program. Tell your Senators and Representatives to pass a Child Nutrition Reauthorization (CNR) in 2021 that expands access to nutrition programs for historically marginalized children and children in rural areas.  A formal reauthorization would provide schools and parents reassurance that Congress supports the act, and that children will continue receiving the healthful meals prescribed by the law’s guidelines. Other programs worthy of support include the Child and Adult Care Food Program, which provides nutritious meals to children and adults enrolled in daycare programs. To contact the Senate or House of Representatives switchboard, call (202) 224-3121.
• DONATE to support IRUSA’s efforts across the United States.