November 16, 2006
Freedom from Want
At this time of year, I always recall that famous Norman Rockwell painting, “Freedom from Want,” which portrays a grandmother placing an enormous roast turkey on a dinner table surrounded by a happy extended family. America truly is a nation of amazing blessings and abundance. And the holiday season is always a wonderful time at which to reflect on and give thanks for our prosperity and freedom.
Iowans certainly have much for which to be thankful. At the heart of America’s breadbasket, Iowa plays a huge role in producing food not only for our own country, but for the world.
But even amidst such prosperity, many Americans continue to struggle to have enough to eat, mainly because of an economy that has left many behind. In fact, the number of Americans experiencing hunger has increased in recent years.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) found the number of “food insecure” Americans – those who go hungry or cannot afford a nutritious diet – rose from 31 million in 1999 to more than 35 million in 2005 (the most recent year for which statistics are available).
Food insecurity is an issue here in Iowa, as well. USDA says that over 10 percent of our fellow Iowans – most of them single mothers and children – are “food insecure.” They skip meals or substitute cheaper but less nutritious foods. Sometimes they simply go to bed hungry.
Iowans are generous and big-hearted people. Private volunteer efforts across the state – performed by places of worship, food banks, and other charitable organizations – put food on the tables of people needing help. There are many ways we can make a difference – not just during the holiday season – but year round. Food banks and soup kitchens always welcome financial gifts and volunteers to prepare and serve meals. You might consider organizing your place of worship or civic group to raise funds for a local organization serving the poor. This can be an eye-opening and rewarding experience for all. We also know that government has an essential role in helping to alleviate hunger and promoting good nutrition. Millions of children enjoy nutritious federally-supported breakfasts and lunches each school day.
The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program provides nutritious food to at-risk mothers and young children. And the Food Stamp Program provides a modest benefit to help low-income children, working families, and seniors obtain an adequate diet.
We also need to attack poverty by raising the minimum wage (which has been frozen for nearly a decade) and writing tax policy that benefits all Americans, including those of modest means. Though the economic struggles of working families are a challenge, they aren’t insurmountable. Sustained partnership between generous Americans and a compassionate government can make a difference.
As the old saying goes, “we make a living by what we make, but we make a life by what we give.”
Here’s wishing you a safe and happy holiday season – and a blessed new year!