Bob Dole: “in America--the land of prosperity and plenty, some people have the misconception that hunger plagues only faraway…”

“in America--the land of prosperity and plenty, some people have the misconception that hunger plagues only faraway, undeveloped nations. The reality is that hunger is a silent enemy lurking within 1 in 10 U.S. households. In my home State of North Carolina alone, nearly 1 million of our 8.8 million residents are struggling with food insecurity issues. In recent years, once-thriving North Carolina towns have been economically crippled by the shutting of textile mills and furniture factories. People have lost their jobs and sometimes their ability to put food on the table. I know this scenario is not unique to North Carolina, as many American manufacturing jobs have moved overseas. While many folks are finding new employment, these days a steady income does not necessarily provide for three square meals a day. Hunger and food insecurity are far too prevalent, but I think Washington Post columnist David Broder hit the nail on the head when he wrote: America has some problems that defy solution. This one does not. It just needs caring people and a caring government, working together. I certainly agree. The battle to end hunger in our country is a campaign that cannot be won in months or even a few years, but it is a victory within reach. To this end, I strongly support what the nutrition title of the farm bill strives to accomplish.”