Call your lawmaker

Here’s how you can raise awareness of hunger and food insecurity with lawmakers:

1. Dial 202-224-3121.
2. If you do not know the name of your member of Congress, say, “I’m not sure.”
3. Say, “Representative.”
4. Say your zip code.
5. Confirm the Representative.
6. When connected with the office, you can leave a message with the staffer who answers or ask to be connected to the staffer who works on federal nutrition programs.
7. Sample script: 

“Hi, my name is [Your Name], and I’m a constituent from [Your Town].

I’m calling because I am very concerned about hunger in our region. Families here have already been feeling the strain of higher costs of living.

I know the Food Bank and local food pantries are stepping up to meet the growing need. But they are feeling the strain too. The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank and its network are serving, on average, more than 171,000 people every month. That’s more than the height of the pandemic.

I urge [Congressman’s Name] to work with your colleagues to fully fund federal nutrition programs and ensure that people have the food they need to be productive and become self-sustaining.

This is a moment for leadership. Your action can help keep our communities strong and ensure no one goes hungry because of politics.

Thank you for your time.”