Washington, DC – Congressman Joe Baca (D-California) today released a letter signed by 70 members of the U.S. House of Representatives voicing their concerns about a recent decision by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to replace the term “hunger” and instead refer to those lacking enough to eat as having “very low food security”.

The lawmakers sent a letter to the Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns expressing concern about this change in terminology and moreover the rising problem of hunger in America.  According to the USDA’s most recent annual Household Food Security report, the number of hungriest Americans has climbed higher over the past 5 years so that in 2005, 11 percent of American households were considered “food insecure”.

Rep. Baca said, “This week many of us are fortunate to celebrate Thanksgiving with our loved ones and enjoy a traditional feast.  But we must all remember that millions of our fellow Americans are not sharing in our great nation’s abundance, and too many American families will not have enough to eat for the holidays or throughout the year.”

Rep. Baca currently serves as the Ranking Member of the Agriculture Subcommittee with jurisdiction over nutrition programs, and he is in line to be the Subcommittee Chair next year.  He has been an outspoken advocate for America’s hungry, promoting nutrition programs and fighting to prevent cuts in the Food Stamp Program so it can continue to prevent hunger and provide a nutritionally adequate diet for millions across the country.

“I intend to remain an active supporter of nutrition programs, and I want Congress to vigorously oversee USDA operations.  Churches, synagogues, community groups and generous individuals across the country regularly help feed the hungry, but hunger – or ‘food insecurity’ if you prefer – is a persistent problem in America, and the government has an essential role in providing for those in greatest need,” said Rep. Baca.