To the Editor:

I am discouraged and saddened that some members of Congress and
presidential candidates continue to attack key programs that help families
struggling with poverty.  Some of these that are struggling are my
neighbors.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly food
stamps) helps these families in my neighborhood and other communities,
nationally.  And many of them are working full-time but struggling to make
ends meet -- put food on the table.

SNAP and other nutrition programs have been shown time and again to not
only improve a child's short-term health, but also to have remarkable
effects in the long term. Children who benefit from these programs are
healthier, do better in school, achieve more, and have increased economic
opportunities later in life.  And all of us want our children to enjoy
increased economic opportunities and to have a positive impact on our
society.

With one in five American children at risk of going to bed hungry, we need
to build on the success of these programs instead of dismantling them.  I
urge members of Congress to please stand up for hungry children and
families and reject any proposals to cut or restructure nutrition
programs, and instead invest making sure no American goes hungry.

Zelda Foxall
Ballard