[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 18 (Tuesday, February 14, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E140]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING MEREDITH KIESEL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. STEVE ISRAEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 14, 2006

  Mr. ISRAEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the accomplishment of 
Meredith Kiesel, a 7th grader from Northport, NY, who won first place 
in the World Hunger Essay Contest. Ms. Kiesel understands our country's 
need for a plan to eliminate hunger and food insecurity.

                  Should Food Be a Basic Human Right?

                          (By Meredith Kiesel)

       I think that food should be a basic human right. In our 
     society we have human rights. Some of these rights include 
     freedom of speech, education, the right to vote, to think 
     freely, and to practice and believe in any religion. These 
     rights make our country great and strong. Food is used to 
     give us energy, and to keep us focused on what we are doing. 
     When a person misses a meal they become very tired and 
     hungry.
       Every person who has food can contribute to local food 
     pantries and to food drives. If every person contributed, 
     many people would have food. If a local grocery store donated 
     extra food to a food drive or a shelter it would help people 
     who cannot afford food. People who cannot get a job suffer 
     because they do not have money to buy food. If food was a 
     human right these people could get food to support themselves 
     and their families.
       Many people who cannot afford food do not have enough 
     energy to do ordinary things. Kids who do not have enough 
     food in their bodies cannot study and learn and cannot do 
     sports or activities that are in their school. They cannot do 
     it because they do not have enough energy. Even with eight 
     hours they will not have the energy without food. If food was 
     a human right they could go out for sports teams or play in 
     their local neighborhood parks and study and become 
     successful.
       Food is very important for our bodies and minds. It helps 
     us to think and do regular activities. Without proper 
     nutrients our bodies cannot function properly. These are very 
     important reasons as to why food is very important. The whole 
     world should have food as a basic human right. It would help 
     make the world a happier and healthier place to live.

                          ____________________