|
|
|
Federal Farm Subsidies
0.0000%
Letters to the Editor Talking Points
Writing a letter to the editor (around 200 words) is easy, and anyone can do it. If you're willing to spend more time and write an op-ed (around 750 words), that is even better. Attached is a flyer with some basic information on writing letters and op-eds.
An editorial is one of the most powerful tools you can use to put pressure on Rep. Goodlatte to protect funding for food stamps. Anyone can call or meet with an editorial writer and ask him/her to write an editorial.
Below are some talking points to help support letters-to-the-editor and op-eds. It is especially important that your letters be written in your own words. Your personal experience with hunger and how it affects your community-as a gleaner, food bank volunteer, advocate-is your starting place. You are uniquely credible because you are a constituent in Rep. Goodlatte's district; both he and your local media want to hear why hunger and food stamps are important to YOU.
Despite the bounty produced by farmers in Virginia, hunger is still a problem in our state.
* According to the USDA, about 8.4% of households in Virginia are hungry or at risk of hunger.
* The average monthly Food Stamp benefit per person in Virginia is $77.47.
* According to most recent data, only 58% of people in Virginia who are eligible for food stamps actually get them.
The national nutrition programs are our nation's best defense against hunger in this country. The Food Stamp Program is especially effective at reducing hunger:
* Food stamps are targeted to those with the greatest need for help in purchasing food. Ninety percent of the households that receive food stamps have incomes below the poverty line. More than a third of food stamp recipients have incomes below half of the poverty line - about $7,800 on an annual basis for a family of three in 2004.
* Food Stamp benefits come in the form of a debit card that can be used only to purchase food.
* Error rates for the Food Stamp Program are at an all-time low. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the national overpayment error rate - the percentage of food stamp benefit dollars issued in excess of the amounts for which households are eligible - reached record low levels for the sixth consecutive year. The food stamp error rate compares quite favorably to error rates for most other government programs for which data are available. For example, the Internal Revenue Service estimates that federal taxes were underpaid by at least 15 percent in 2001.
The link below is a statement by Rep. Goodlatte (from "Bob's Weekly Report") following National Hunger Awareness Day. It will give you a sense of where he's coming from on hunger issues and our national nutrition programs.
|
|
 |
|
|
Center Priorities (.pdf)
Bulletin Inserts
Child Support (.pdf)
Environment (.pdf)
Housing Trust (.pdf)
Indigent Defense (.pdf)
Payday Lending (.pdf)
Minimum Wage (.pdf)
Advocacy Resources
Advocacy Guide (.doc)
Advocacy Portal (link)
Lending Info. (.ppt)
Richmond Map (.pdf)
For Small Groups
Eco-Stewardship (link)
Prayers for Creation (link)
Poverty Diet (link)
|
|
|
Policy Briefs
EITC (.doc)
TANF Child Support (.doc)
Payday Loans (.doc)
Healing Creation (.doc)
Child Ombudsman (.doc)
Affordable Housing (.doc)
Indigent Defense (.doc)
Minimum Wage (.doc)
Wage & EITC (.doc)
VA Tribes (.link)
Actions
Lending Petition (link)
Title Petition (link)
Wage Petition (link)
Reports
Budget Analysis (.pdf)
Food Stamps (.doc)
Lottery Study (link)
FAQ's (link)
|
|
|
Your donation helps the Interfaith Center advocate for a more compassionate Commonwealth. Your gifts support trainings, advocacy, community programs, and briefing development. Get involved and begin to Learn Pray and Act with us. Together we can!
|
|
|
