Norton on Food Stamps This Week to Get Increase for Needy Families
Press Conference at Capital Hilton Hotel before Noon Luncheon at United Black Fund.
June 7, 2007
Washington, DC-At a news conference today, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) called for an increase in food stamp allotments to needy families and displayed a receipt totaling $16.43 for her grocery store purchases during her seven day "Food Stamp Challenge." She said that this leaves $4.57 to spend on food in order to stay within the required $21 a week budget until the Challenge ends on Monday, June 11. Tuesday, Norton began an effort along with several Members of Congress to experience first-hand the challenges food stamp recipients face on limited assistance; to get increased assistance; and to highlight the importance of the Food Stamp Program. Jamila Johnson, a divorced mother of two young boys, who receives about $200 a month in food stamps, appeared at the press conference with the Congresswoman. Ms. Johnson said that this amount is not nearly enough to feed her family even with child support and help from her mother. One third of D.C. children and ten per cent of residents do not get enough food on their own and are considered living in poverty. Also giving remarks today were Reuben Gist, Director of Advocacy and Community Outreach of the Capital Are Food Bank, where many D.C. families come for additional food and Alex Ashbrook, Director of D.C. Hunger Solutions, an organization providing support and advocacy for food stamp recipients. Norton is a member of the House Hunger Caucus and a cosponsor of H.R. 2129, the Feeding America's Families Act of 2007, to increase food stamp benefits and support working families in other ways.
Abiding by the rules, Norton has pledged to limit her meals only to food purchased during the Challenge week and must not accept food from friends and relatives or eat free food at receptions and other events. This includes the United Black Fund luncheon she is attending today in honor of Rev. Walter E. Fauntroy, her predecessor in Congress.
Norton's grocery receipt entailed $16.43 spent on shredded wheat, six cans of beans (baked, chili and pinto), black eyed peas, two onions and a large green pepper. The Congresswoman's lunch this week consists of a mixture of several kinds of beans, pepper and onions that she has cooked. For dinner she eats black eyed peas with the cooked pepper and onions. Norton said that she has been able to stay under $21 only by eliminating foods that are necessary for good nutrition like fruits, cheese and especially meats. "Essential proteins from fish, chickens and meat are necessary in the American diet but they would have busted my budget," Norton said. "People cannot live like this. They must supplement by going to food banks, borrowing or asking relatives for help. The last time the benefits were raised was in the 1970s.
