Sheila Jackson Lee: “I hope my colleagues will join me in recognizing the value of emphasizing the importance of urban gardening. My…”

“I hope my colleagues will join me in recognizing the value of emphasizing the importance of urban gardening. My amendment would prohibit any of the funds made available by the appropriations from being used in contravention of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008. Forty-seven million American families live in poverty that restricts their access to healthy food. The Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 supports numerous programs aimed at reducing hunger throughout the country. Seventeen million children struggle with hunger every day, affecting their ability to learn and develop in a country so full of resources. It is unconscionable that millions of children do not have enough to eat. We cannot consider proposals that would contradict existing legislation aimed at improving food security, such as the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008. In my home State of Texas, where I represent the 18th Congressional District, 17.4 percent of all households struggle with food security. Community Food Projects Competitive Grants are a vital aspect of the Food and Nutrition Act and must be preserved. Community Food Projects Grants have helped thousands of people in low-income communities combat food insecurity by developing community food projects that encourage healthy habits and self-sufficiency. These grants increase the self- reliance of low-income communities that have historically encountered difficulties in providing foods.…”