[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 9]
[House]
[Page 12737]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                             END HUNGER NOW

  (Mr. McGOVERN asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, as we recognize September as Hunger Action 
Month, I rise to draw attention to the widespread problem of hunger 
among teenagers.
  While our Nation's recovery is progressing, 7 million teens remain 
food insecure, and we know they often face additional hardships. Today 
the Urban Institute is briefing Members of Congress and their staff on 
two new reports that highlight these circumstances and explore how 
teens cope with hunger.
  Among a number of troubling conclusions, the report finds that teens 
fear the stigma of being hungry and often refuse to accept food or 
assistance. They skip meals and sometimes turn to dangerous behaviors 
just so their parents or siblings can eat. They often feel the need to 
bear the responsibility for feeding their families.
  Teenagers deserve a normal childhood. They should be focused on 
school and developing their passions, not worrying about where their 
next meal is coming from. I encourage all of my colleagues to read 
these reports and join me in working to end hunger now.

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