[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 143 (Thursday, October 1, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1407-E1408]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HUNGER AND MALNUTRITION

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 1, 2015

  Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, hunger and 
malnutrition affect millions of Americans every day. I have witnessed 
this in my home state of New Mexico, which has some of the highest 
hunger rates in the country. These rates are especially high among 
vulnerable populations, such as children and seniors. Many working 
families have to rely on food banks and church-sponsored meal programs 
to put food on the table. Often times, these families live in food 
deserts and cannot access affordable and healthy foods, which puts them 
at risk of becoming malnourished.
  Nearly 16 million American children face hunger, and most of the food 
they receive is not considered healthy; rather, their parents are more 
inclined to buy the most affordable food available. The lack of access 
to healthy food hurts a child's development, including physical and 
mental health, academic achievement and future economic prosperity.

[[Page E1408]]

  Seniors are among the most physically vulnerable to hunger. They face 
unique nutritional requirements, medical conditions and mobility 
restrictions. In addition to the lack of access to nutritious foods, 
many seniors are not able to absorb certain foods, compromising their 
health and putting them at risk for increased long-term care and 
hospitalization.
  Although hunger and malnutrition affect so many in our communities, 
Congress is not doing enough to address these issues. Instead, we've 
seen Congress try time after time to cut funding for the Supplemental 
Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides food for more than 
45 million Americans. We've also seen Congress attempt to roll back 
school meal standards, which are aimed to improve nutrition among 
children.
  Cutting funding for nutritional programs will not save the federal 
government money. We know that hunger and malnutrition increase risk of 
illness and result in longer hospital stays, slower healing, greater 
risk for re-hospitalizations and complications.
  As a government so concerned about health care costs, how are we not 
laser-focused on the nutritional status of patients? We seek solutions 
for health care costs every day, particularly from those dually 
eligible for Medicare and Medicaid. However, it is clear that 
nutritional status deserves more attention.
  September 28 through October 2 has been designated as Malnutrition 
Awareness Week. Let us use this as a call to action to increase 
awareness and find solutions that support better nutrition for our 
communities. Healthy citizens mean a healthy society and healthy 
economy.

                          ____________________