[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 10]
[Senate]
[Page 14455]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                          HUNGER ACTION MONTH

  Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, this past month we recognized Hunger 
Action Month, a time for all Americans to focus on the problem of 
hunger in our communities. As we begin the month of October, we must 
remember that this is a year-round reality for many individuals and 
families around the country and that our efforts to eradicate this 
problem must continue.
  Our Nation continues to face both a 9.1-percent unemployment rate, as 
well as a 15.1-percent poverty rate. Everyone has been touched in some 
way by this challenging economy. Many of our friends, neighbors and 
family members still might be struggling in ways that they never 
imagined with less money to spend and tough choices to make. 
Thankfully, there have been a number of community assistance 
organizations that have been able to step up and help out.
  Many of these are local food banks and soup kitchens that are 
challenged to find resourceful ways to do more with less in order to 
provide services to those in need in their communities. One such 
organization that is still making a significant difference is the 
Arlington Food Assistance Center, AFAC. For over 20 years the AFAC has 
partnered with local churches, schools and social service agencies to 
assist over 1,200 families weekly with their basic food needs. Last 
year the AFAC was able to distribute over 2.3 million pounds of food 
directly to Arlington community residents. Community support of AFAC 
and thousands of organizations like it across the country is integral 
to their ability to provide the necessary services to those most in 
need. We must continue to give our support.
  I hope my colleagues will join me in recognizing the Arlington Food 
Assistance Center and the many other organizations like it, as well as 
the importance of our commitment to addressing the problem of hunger 
across the Nation.

                          ____________________