CAMBRIDGE, MA – Today, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-5) joined Arlington-based nonprofit Food Link and Harvard Law School for a panel discussion on systemic hunger entitled “Exploring Food Justice: Achieving Equity in the Food System.

“It’s a profound moral failure that, in a nation founded on life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, there are 34 million people facing food insecurity – including 9 million children,” said Whip Clark. “That kind of crisis demands an all hands on deck response. In Washington, Democrats have taken action to keep food on kitchen tables, expand free school meals, and bolster food pantries nationwide. We’re fighting to make hunger a relic of the past – and we won’t relent until we secure total victory.”

Clark is a leader in the fight against food insecurity. She helped lead passage of several bills that fight chronic hunger in America including the Families First Coronavirus Relief Act, the American Rescue Plan, the Keep Kids Fed Act, and the Food Donation Improvement Act.

The Families First Coronavirus Relief Act (FFCRA) increased SNAP benefits and reduced restrictions for single adults and students. It also increased funding for WIC benefits – which help feed nursing women, children, and infants – and provided free school meals.

The American Rescue Plan further extended these vital food benefits and funded local food initiatives such as Arlington EATS and Food Link. It also cut childhood poverty in half with a strengthened Child Tax Credit.

The Keep Kids Fed Act reduced the cost of school and child care lunches and helped ensure students have access to quality lunches over the summer break. Additionally, the Food Donation Improvement Act increased the ability of local businesses to donate unused food.

Photos of the event can be found HERE.