[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 144 (Monday, October 12, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2101-E2102]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  IN PRAISE OF CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA'S ``UNITY AGAINST HUNGER AND 
                               POVERTY''

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. SUE MYRICK

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 12, 1998

  Mrs. MYRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of Charlotte, North 
Carolina's ``Unity Against Hunger and Poverty.'' For years, this 
coalition of Charlotte area anti-hunger and homelessness programs has 
worked hard to care for the needy of Charlotte-Mecklenburg. Recently, 
the members of ``Unity Against Hunger and Poverty'' sent a letter to my 
colleague, Representative Tony Hall of Ohio, praising Mr. Hall for his 
tireless efforts to secure full federal funding for The Emergency Food 
Assistance Program (TEFAP). I am submitting the text of the group's 
letter for the Congressional Record because it serves as a suitable 
tribute to both the work of my friend, Mr. Hall, as well as to the 
dedication and efforts of ``Unity Against Hunger and Poverty.''
  I will always support full funding for the TEFAP program. TEFAP 
provides vital assistance to our nation's local anti-hunger programs, 
providing food banks with 20% of the food they need every year. At the 
same time, TEFAP is a model of government efficiency. While the food 
stamp program returns only four cents of every dollar to agricultural 
producers, the TEFAP program returns eighty-five cents of every dollar 
back to America's farmers. It simply makes sense for the government to 
purchase excess agricultural commodities to distribute to food banks. 
By doing so, we can help families get through hard times and can help 
farmers deal with low commodity prices.

                                                  August 13, 1998.
     Hon. Tony P. Hall,
     House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
       Dear Representative Hall: For over twenty years, you have 
     led the fight against domestic and international hunger in 
     the halls of Congress. So often you must have felt alone and 
     discouraged, but still you persevered. People you will never 
     know have benefited from your work and the battles you have 
     fought.
       Today we, the members of Unity Against Hunger and Poverty 
     in Charlotte, send this letter to express our heartfelt 
     gratitude. Your beacon has led us, pointing the way as we 
     battled the darkness of hunger and poverty in our daily work.
       Your leadership transcends Ohio's Third Congressional 
     District. Indeed, your spirit has touched us here in North 
     Carolina. We are better as professionals and as human beings 
     because you inspired us with your example of hope laced with 
     action.
       Thank you for bearing the standard when so many others have 
     fallen aside. We pray that you will be given the strength to 
     continue.
           Sincerely, the undersigned members, Unity Against 
     Hunger and Poverty:
     Lyn Morton,

[[Page E2102]]

       Loaves & Fishes.
     Ken M. Montaput,
       Charlotle Emergency Housing.
     Betsy Van Wier,
       Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina.
     Frances Daniel,
       Church World Service/CROP.
     Mary Ann Pilce,
       Urban Ministry Soup Kitchen.
     Bonnie Whit,
       Community Food Rescue.
     Marilyn Maas,
       Society of St. Andreu/Gleaning Network.
     E.J. Underwood,
       Charlotte Rescue Mission.
     Frank Manfield,
       Uptown Shelter for Homeless Men.
     Lucy Bush,
       Friendship Trays.
     Marcia Morton,
       Presbytery of Charlotte.
     Bef Howard,
       Loaves & Fishes.

       

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