FARM BILL UPDATE Last week, the House Agricultural Committee passed its version of the Farm Bill -- the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act (FARRM) -- which cuts more than $16 billion from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP (formerly known as food stamps). This version significantly undermines Colorado's ability to provide food assistance to poor working families, children and seniors.
It remains to be seen whether the bill will be moved to the House floor for a vote by the House of Representatives. But now is the time to take action! Call your House Representative and let your voice be heard.
Learn more about what's really at stake and what to say to your representative about the SNAP cuts.
CONFERENCE ON ENDING HUNGER THROUGH CITIZEN SERVICE, AUG. 6
You are invited to attend the first-ever "Ending Hunger through Citizen Service" conference, co-sponsored by The New York City Coalition Against Hunger and Hunger Free Colorado, on Monday, Aug. 6, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Red Lion Hotel in Denver.
This conference will launch a new nationwide initiative, funded by the ConAgra Foods Foundation, to redefine the way people think -- and act -- about volunteering to fight hunger. It will highlight the importance of volunteer activities that have a lasting impact on reducing hunger and improving nutrition. Lieutenant Governor Joe Garcia will deliver the morning keynote address.
Register online today! There is no fee to attend this event, thanks to the generosity of the ConAgra Foods Foundation.
VOTES THAT CAN HELP END HUNGER
We have been selected as a top regional finalist for the "Hunger & Poverty Relief" CLASSY Award, presented by StayClassy. Help us become a finalist by casting your vote in the West region before Thursday, July 26.
Also, you can help us win a grant! Hunger Free Colorado is one of three non-profit organizations selected for the Walmart Associate Choice Program of Colorado -- a statewide voting contest through Monday, Aug. 6, for associates of Walmart and Sam's Club -- where the first-place charity will receive a $50,000 grant.
While the online voting is only open to associates, you can help by sharing on Facebook, Twitter and other social networks. Learn more about the grant contest, use our sample posts and tweets, and read the solicitation rules.
SUMMER FOOD FOR KIDS & TEENS
Summer is not over yet, and there are many kids in Colorado that do not know when and where they will eat today -- or tomorrow. Schools and community-based organizations are participating in the Summer Food Service Program, offering free, nutritious meals to children 18 and younger at sites across the state.
How can you help? Find a site near you by visiting SummerFoodColorado.org and share with others, so we can ensure no child goes hungry this summer. Or, sign up to be a canvassing volunteer on Saturday, July 21, to help raise awareness about this program.
HELPING FAMILIES AFFECTED BY WALDO CANYON FIRE
Colorado's most destructive fire has impacted many families as well as sites for the Summer Food Service Program in Colorado Springs. For many, the devastation has continued. Some lost their homes while others have lost their jobs.
To support these families, The Denver Foundation and Hunger Free Colorado provided grant funding to cover the cost of up to 4,000 adult meals at the Colorado Springs School District 11 summer food sites. This grant has alleviated the worry of families affected by the aftermath of the Waldo Canyon Fire.
Families can eat free breakfasts and lunches -- Monday through Friday -- until Aug. 3 at the District 11 sites. Learn more about summer food sites in that area.
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