Hunger Task Force is both relieved and concerned about the debt ceiling/budget reduction bill (the Budget Control Act of 2011) passed by Congress and signed by President Obama on August 2, 2011.

On the plus side, the legislation removes some economic uncertainty, and locks in processes that will lead to federal deficit reductions.  On the other hand, the legislation forces budget cuts that could impact programs like WIC and CSFP (locally known as Stockbox) that help thousands of low-income people in Wisconsin put food on the table.  Each month, more than 120,500 people statewide participate in WIC while over 9,000 senior citizens in the Milwaukee area receive a Stockbox.

For a more detailed analysis of how the bill affects government nutrition programs, view FRAC's (the Food Research and Action Center) summary of the legislation here.

As Congress begins to implement the requirements of this new law, Hunger Task Force will continue to advocate for adequate federal nutrition program funding that protects our most vulnerable citizens.  However, over the next five months we will need your help more than ever to ensure that our message is heard in Washington D.C.

Join Hunger Task Force’s efforts to protect vital nutrition programs by emailing your U.S. Congressperson and Senators here.

You can also join Voices Against Hunger and stay up-to-date on anti-hunger advocacy here.