NEW YORK (January 12, 2022) – As we approach the holiday honoring Martin Luther King Jr., Noreen Springstead, executive director of WhyHunger, issued the following statement calling for the Senate to swiftly pass the Freedom to Vote Act and the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. Passage of this legislation would increase and preserve accessibility to voting and is viewed as essential to reforming and protecting voter rights.
“WhyHunger recognizes the reality that hunger in the U.S. is a political choice and we must strengthen our democracy to end hunger for good. From ensuring the basic human right to nutritious food for all, to safeguarding access to land, seeds, and water, the laws and policies we uphold have a significant impact on our ability to end food insecurity and achieve food sovereignty. To achieve the policy reform needed to end hunger, we must ensure all citizens, especially those most impacted by food insecurity, have a right to fully participate in our political process. Democracy is a pillar of justice that must be defended and upheld. Acting now to ensure voting rights is a beautiful way to honor the legacy of Dr. King.”
It is our hope that this historic legislation is passed, voting rights in America are protected, and we are one step closer to achieving the Right to Food nationwide. Unjust voting laws negatively impact low-income and BIPOC communities who are already disproportionately affected by hunger, further disenfranchising and oppressing people whose voices need to be heard. Ensuring that all eligible people can vote is vital to our nationwide efforts to end hunger and poverty. This is yet another critical moment for all those working to end hunger and protect justice in our country to join in the call for comprehensive reform to our voting rights. WhyHunger strongly encourages the Senate to act now.”
About WhyHunger
Founded in 1975 by the late Harry Chapin and radio DJ Bill Ayres, WhyHunger believes a world without hunger is possible. We provide critical resources to support grassroots movements and fuel community solutions rooted in social, environmental, racial and economic justice. A four-star rated charity by Charity Navigator, with highest ratings for excellence in fiscal management accountability and transparency, WhyHunger is working to end hunger and advance the human right to nutritious food in the U.S. and around the world. 90 cents of every dollar raised goes directly to programmatic work. Learn more at whyhunger.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
