[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 148 (Thursday, September 29, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1403]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                         HUNGER AWARENESS MONTH

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                           HON. ALMA S. ADAMS

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 28, 2016

  Ms. ADAMS. Mr. Speaker, in my District--North Carolina's 12th 
Congressional District--many people in my community struggle to 
consistently put food on the table.
   According to Feeding America, Mecklenburg County has over 165,000 
individuals that are considered food insecure, including over 49,000 
children.
   Overall, the 12th district ranks 11th in the nation and 2nd in the 
state for the most food insecure congressional districts.
   Over the past year, the single biggest food insecurity issue that 
constituents share with my office is that SNAP benefits are not enough 
to help seniors and families in need put food on the table through the 
end of the month.
   For this reason, in May of this year, I introduced H.R. 5215, the 
Closing the Meal Gap Act of 2016.
   This legislation strengthens the SNAP program for seniors, families, 
and individuals looking for work.
   This legislation has been endorsed by Feeding American, FRAC, Mazon, 
and the National Council on Aging.
   As we observe Hunger Action Month, I would encourage all members to 
cosponsor this important piece of legislation to help those that are 
hungry in their community put food on the table each month.

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