As members of Bread for the World and volunteers at our local food pantry, we appreciate USDA Undersecretary Kevin Concannon supporting the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly food stamps).

During this recession, food pantries have seen a dramatic increase in demand. Churches and charities have been generous. However, all of the food they provide in the U.S. only amounts to about 6 percent of the food distributed by federal food programs, such as SNAP and school meals. Churches and charities lack the financial and logistical means to do it alone.

Bread for the World urges Congress to protect funding for federal nutrition programs.

Steve and Janet Panther

Iowa City