Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Hunger Fast- Budget cuts can be a hardship for the poor!

Ambassador Tony Hall


Monday I had the opportunity to take part in a Washington DC prayer vigil that marked the start of a 7 day fast by world hunger leaders. The #hungerfast was idea of the Ambassador Tony Hall who writes about  Why I'm Fasting. 

The fast is a way of protesting and bringing light to the US budget cuts that are disproportionately affecting those suffering from poverty and hunger. This is a crucial time as congress debates the shortfall and budget balancing. It is important to contact your member of congress to urge them to not balance the budget on the backs of the poor.

BFW Pres David Beckmann
Hall was joined by Sojourners President Jim Wallis, Ritu Sharma, president and co-founder of Women Thrive Worldwide, and Bread for the World President Rev. David Beckmann.  Beckmann feels strongly saying "We hope our fast will help draw public attention to threatened cuts to programs that help hungry and poor people,”

Joining the fast are several other hunger leaders, students and even members of the media.  Take a minute to read why AJWS President Ruth Messinger   is fasting or New York Times food critic Mark Bittman is fasting. 

This is an important time. Please consider following those who are fasting on facebook, twitter and more importantly share their stories and the stories of the poor with others. We need your help to urge congress to seek justice for the poor.  

Twitter: @tony_p_hall @davidbeckmann, @jimwallis @ruth_messinger @bittman @journeyscript and more!

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