1,500+ Jewish Advocates Demand Expanded Access to Nutrition Assistance

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1,500+ Jewish Advocates Demand Expanded Access to Nutrition Assistance

National Council of Jewish Women and MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger spearhead effort to increase and expand access to nutrition

WASHINGTON – More than 1,500 individuals representing 48 states and U.S. territories have signed a petition urging policymakers at the federal, state, and local levels to increase and expand access to nutrition assistance for Americans struggling with food insecurity in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The petition, spearheaded by the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) and MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger, states: “Jewish tradition is based in the understanding that each person is made in the image of God and that we are all responsible for one another, particularly in the darkest times. I urge you to show leadership and compassion in this moment and ensure that no matter a person’s circumstance, they will not go hungry as a result of this crisis.”

Full text of the petition and list of signers can be viewed here.

“The coronavirus crisis has made us all vulnerable, and has further devastated those who were already vulnerable,” said Sheila Katz, CEO of the National Council of Jewish Women. “For those individuals and families most at risk, the struggle to feed themselves and their loved ones is amplified by loss of income, loss of access to school lunch, and the very real challenge of leaving elderly parents or young children home when spending hours at a food pantry that is short on supplies. Our Jewish tradition calls for feeding the hungry, and it is up to us – even more so in this moment – to use our voices to ensure those who are food insecure have the assistance they need.”

“In the wake of the COVID-19 crisis, we have been firing on all cylinders to make sure that policymakers’ responses are guided by wisdom and compassion,” said Abby J. Leibman, President & CEO of MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger. “It has become evident that state and local policymakers — particularly governors — are poised to truly make a difference to those who are most at risk of food insecurity. Governors must act immediately to make sure they are using every tool at their disposal to expand access and increase benefits for federal nutrition programs. This will literally save lives.

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About NCJW

The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is a grassroots organization of volunteers and advocates who turn progressive ideals into action. Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children, and families and by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms. More information on  Facebook and on Twitter.

About MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger

Inspired by Jewish values and ideals, MAZON is a national advocacy organization working to end hunger among people of all faiths and backgrounds in the United States and Israel. More information at mazon.org, Facebook, and Twitter.

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