Dear Friends: Once again during the holiday season, we are reminded of individual blessings and the potential to help those in our community who face the hardships of hunger. On Monday, November 19, we hosted a food drive reception at Gleaners Food Bank in Indianapolis to help stock the shelves. Photos are included in the News for Hoosiers. A recent report by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service estimated that more than 35.5 million Americans went hungry in 2006. In many communities, food banks have partnered with churches and organizations to make a tremendous difference in fighting hunger on a local level. Nationwide food banks are estimated to provide meals to more than 23 million Americans. Yet, food banks depend on the generosity of individuals, and I encourage you this holiday season to donate to your local food bank. When a basic need such as hunger is fulfilled, individuals can contribute in more meaningful ways to the success of their families and communities. Last month’s Lugar Letter featured information on the Farm Bill and specifically reform legislation that I have introduced to replace depression era federal crops subsidies with a true safety-net for all farmers, regardless of what they grow or where they live. Unfortunately, Senate leaders were unable to agree on how to handle the amendment process and debate on the Farm Bill stalled. Should the Senate majority and minority leaders agree to return to consideration of the Farm Bill, the Lugar-Lautenberg FRESH reform of farm programs is available for debate. For more information visit my FRESH Farm Bill Reform page. Thank you, as always, for reading the Lugar Letter. I wish you a wonderful holiday season and every continuing success in 2008.Sincerely,
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