Hunger

Hunger is an endemic problem that plagues all aspects of our society. Despite being one of the wealthiest nations in the world, 1 in 9 Americans (more 40 million individuals)—including over 11 million children—live in households that are food insecure. Canada faces a similar hunger epidemic; recent data indicates that 1 in 8 households (4 million) experience food insecurity.

The Torah and Jewish tradition are explicit in commanding us to feed the hungry.

"And when you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap all the way to the edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest; you shall leave them for the poor and the stranger. (Leviticus 23:22)"

Key Programs To Alleviate Hunger

SNAP

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly the Food Stamp Program, works to alleviate hunger and malnutrition by providing low-income families and individuals with the resources to obtain an adequate, nutritious diet. SNAP is one of our most powerful anti-poverty tools. The U.S. Census Bureau Supplemental Poverty Measure shows that in 2018, SNAP lifted 3.2 million people out of poverty.

National School Lunches Program

​​​​​​A staggering 6 million American children were food insecure in 2018. The main childhood nutrition programs are the National School Lunch Program, the School Breakfast Program, Summer Food Service Program and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), all of which are funded through the Child Nutrition Act, which is reauthorized every five years.

What's New

Hunger

Having a Truly Meaningful Fast

September 14, 2018
Growing up, I was taught that we fast on Yom Kippur in order to set aside our physical needs and focus fully on our souls. It was a day for personal reflection—to critically assess your actions from the last year, repent for the missteps, and commit to being better in the upcoming year. I heard stories of people making amends with estranged family members and apologizing to a friend for a thoughtless joke. It was a solemn day of contemplation and prayer that would strengthen your connection with God.

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