FEDERAL FOOD DONATION ACT OF 2007 -- (House of Representatives - December 17, 2007)
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Mrs. EMERSON. Mr. Speaker, with 35 million individuals, including 12 million children, either experiencing hunger or teetering right on the verge of hunger each year, the American people expect us to take every reasonable action possible to address this crisis.
The American people are generous with their time and with their resources. And particularly, during the Christmas season, they're willing to make the extra effort to donate their time at a soup kitchen or provide groceries to a food pantry. Unfortunately, the need for these donations is real and it's growing.
The Federal Food Donation Act is one small way the Federal Government can mirror the everyday lives of the constituents we serve. This legislation would require executive agencies who serve food on their premises to encourage the donation of excess food to nonprofit organizations. Such food rescue efforts can be particularly useful to the more than 43,000 soup kitchens and food pantries on the front lines battling hunger. Our constituents are willing to search through their pantries to donate excess food, and so should we.
Mr. Speaker, I'd like to thank Chairman Waxman and Ranking Member Davis for their efforts on behalf of the hungry. The changes to this legislation made during committee markup are an improvement that will enhance the scope and impact this legislation will have.
I'd also like to thank their dedicated staff for their time and counsel in drafting this legislation.
I'd also like to particularly thank the dedicated individuals at Rock It and Wrap It Up for their efforts in conceiving and promoting this concept. This nonprofit organization has specialized in food recovery and has been thinking outside the box in the battle against hunger for years.
Mr. Speaker, the effects of rising food prices have already been felt by our partners who serve the hungry. We learned today from the U.S. Conference of Mayors that their constituents are seeking emergency food aid more frequently and more homeless families are seeking shelter. More resources are clearly needed.
The Federal Food Donation Act may be a small step in the overall battle against hunger, but it is one worth taking.
I urge a ``yes'' vote on H.R. 4220.
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