The Maine Women's Journal - Fall 2007

Without food, a family can not function -- a child can not learn, an adult can not work. None will be healthy. PARTNERS’ work is vital to the visibility and coordination of various federal food assistance programs. These programs, like the Food Stamp and Summer Food Programs, are intended to lower the prevalence of food insecurity and hunger. Food Stamps last May helped feed 10,910 low-income people in Portland -- enough to fill the Cumberland County Civic Center, with 1,848 children still waiting in line. In Cumberland County, 24,493 people used food stamps. That is enough to fill Hadlock Field, the Civic Center, Merrill Auditorium and Fitzpatrick Stadium.

Last summer, PARTNERS launched a new website (www.summerfoodsforme.org) with information about summer food programs in Maine. It also included additional resource information for parents and kids, community partners and providers. For the past decade, Maine has shown no growth rate in the number of summer food site sponsors around the state, even though there are 125 identified locations where programs could be started to provide healthy, nutritious meals. Furthermore, established sites are experiencing low participation rates.

Hunger is a public health issue. PARTNERS realizes the impact of poor nutrition in areas like education and school performance, employment and chronic diseases. This results in substantial economic burdens for the state. One third of our children nationwide - about 25 million kids - are overweight or obese. This puts them at risk for developing type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and other health problems. Maine has the highest child obesity rate among the New England states. One dollar can buy potato chips with 1,200 calories or carrots with 250. It can buy 875 calories of soda or 170 calories of orange juice. The choices for cost-conscious consumers are calorie-dense, nutrient-poor items. They tend to eat food with more calories that create a feeling of fullness. It’s important that part of the plan for eliminating obesity include the reduction of food insecurity. Health Practitioners should become advocates for those experiencing food insecurity.

Hunger is a policy issue - on a town, state and federal level. PARTNERS is the voice for action beyond charity. It advocates for access to healthy, nutritious food, acquired in a culturally appropriate way, available for all. It’s important to let our legislators, elected officials and civic leaders know that hunger in Maine just isn’t acceptable. PARTNERS is open to all who are committed to working to end hunger in Maine communities. It takes all of us working together to make a difference.

PARTNERS’ goal is simple: to improve levels of food security and nutrition among Maine families while supporting the creation of policies that move families toward self-sufficiency. PARTNERS’ comprehensive anti-hunger advocacy, outreach, education and research all provide valuable resources for community organizations, legislators, and low income families. PARTNERS IN ENDING HUNGER has a mission to eliminate hunger in Maine. To learn more, visit www.endhungernow.org, and sign up for the monthly newsletter. Make an online donation to support PARTNERS’ work. Call Dianne Holcomb, executive director, at 207-553-2056 to discuss other ways you can get involved.

Be aware.  Be involved. Be a leader.  PARTNERS IN ENDING HUNGER -
Our name says it all.

top