[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 14 (Tuesday, February 24, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E199]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    FIGHTING HUNGER 365 DAYS A YEAR

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                           HON. BRAD SHERMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 24, 1998

  Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I wish to share with our colleagues remarks 
made by Wayne S. Bell, who serves as Trustee and Secretary of the 
Ralphs/Food 4 Less Foundation. Around the holidays, individuals are 
much more likely to donate food to the needy, but then contributions 
typically decrease over the remaining months. This organization works 
to call attention to the problem of hunger that exists throughout the 
year. They recently awarded $100,000 in grants to thirteen recipient 
organizations that are leading the fight against hunger in Los Angeles. 
Wayne's remarks reflect the seriousness of this cause and the need for 
all communities to join together to do more in addressing the issue of 
hunger.
  Wayne's remarks follow:

       Thank you Joe [Haggerty],\1\ and good morning everyone.
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     \1\ President, United Way of Greater Los Angeles
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       The Ralphs/Food 4 Less Foundation is proud to join with 
     United Way of Greater Los Angeles in the fight against 
     hunger. Tragically, as the statistics show, over 1 million 
     people are affected by hunger in Los Angeles County on a 
     daily basis. Our partnership with United Way in this effort 
     came about as a result of our independent commitments to 
     address the problem of hunger.
       United Way has long been a leader in assessing need and 
     delivering funding to programs that positively and favorably 
     impact the lives of people throughout the Los Angeles 
     community. Joe has told you about United Way's Impact Goals, 
     which are in essence a blueprint to tackling some of the more 
     serious concerns of those who live in poverty.
       The Ralphs/Food 4 Less Foundation established its 
     Foundation Hunger Program with a modest goal of allocating 
     nearly $300,000 per year to help organizations that serve the 
     needs of those faced with hunger due to poverty, 
     homelessness, emergency circumstances, and/or illness. In the 
     course of examining the persistent problem of hunger, which, 
     as we all know too well, sadly perpetuates the cycle of 
     poverty, we became familiar with United Way's commitment to 
     institute measurable Impact Goals to increase awareness of 
     the problem and to improve access to available food programs 
     for those in need. It became clear that we could be much more 
     effective in our independent efforts if we combined forces.
       The joint program of The Ralphs/Food 4 Less Foundation and 
     United Way of Greater Los Angeles is aptly called ``Fighting 
     Hunger 365 Days A Year'' to bring attention to the constant, 
     year round problem of hunger and the additional burden on 
     service providers when donations drop-off after the December 
     holidays. While giving is good at any time, too often it 
     falls off dramatically or ceases altogether following the 
     holidays. We hope to set an example for other corporations, 
     businesses, individuals and foundations, and invite them to 
     join with us and United Way to assist organizations that are 
     on the front lines in the fight against hunger.
       Please join me in applauding the 13 grant recipients who 
     are here today. They are truly making a difference by 
     Fighting Hunger 365 Days A Year. Congratulations to all of 
     the recipients.
       Thank you.

       

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