This annual gathering will include discussion of both local and national food and hunger issues and tools for advocacy with our elected members of Congress.

Plenary Presentation:     "Survive and Thrive" with Margaret Tran, Regional Organizer of Bread for the World, based in New York City where she leads churches and groups in advocacy outreach to end hunger through national policies. Growing up the youngest of five children, Margaret and her family struggled with food insecurity as her parents adjusted to life in the U.S. after emigrating from South Vietnam following the Vietnam War. Margaret received her Master's degree in Environmental Economics and Policy from Duke University.

The Global Food Security Act (GFSA), which continues U.S. investments in improving nutrition and increasing the productivity of smallholder farmers, will be up for consideration by U.S. Congress this year. GFSA includes food-aid reform and will also provide an opportunity to improve nutrition among mothers and children Our spring event this year will provide resources for several related federal, state, and local issues, with a focus on legislative advocacy for poor and outcast people in our communities, and especially mothers and children.

There will also be time for conversation with special guest Congressman Charles Dent.

The program will also include presentations on local food and hunger issues, and workshops on advocacy skills. See full workshop descriptions here.

Hunger and Advocacy Resources

• 2016 Offering of Letters Campaign
  "Survive and Thrive" .
  
• "Offering of Letters" resources (2016) are posted HERE (scroll to bottom of page), or you can order the printed Offering of Letters kit HERE.

Hunger Report 2016:
  "The Nourishing Effect: Ending Hunger, Improving Health, Reducing Inequality"
Download or order a printed copy of Bread for the World's annual report HERE.

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Sponsored by Bread for the World, the Justice and Advocacy Committee of The Lehigh Conference of Churches, and Second Harvest Food Bank.

This is a preliminary program announcement. Check here again for updates.

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