FOCUS ON POVERTY AND HUNGER:  In the coming year, the Social Action Committee will be focusing on issues related to poverty and hunger.  We are inviting the congregation to join us to learn more about this topic by reading the book and watching the documentary, A Place at the Table.  "Why are almost 50 million Americans hungry, and why are more than 23.5 million children and teenagers overweight or obese (and sometimes hungry, too)? What triggers and connects these trends? What systems and institutions perpetuate food insecurity, and what reforms will ensure that people get the healthy food they need?" Come engage in a conversation about these questions at a potluck and free screening of the critically acclaimed documentary "A Place at the Table," directed by Kristi Jacobson and Lori Silverbush on Sunday, March 2, 2014. The movie will begin at 5:00 pm followed by a potluck and discussion at 6:30. Look for more information about hunger in America on the bulletin board and sign up for the potluck in Fellowship Hall. 

At the service on Sunday, March 9, 2014 we will learn about local problems with food insecurity from MelodieCorroto, Executive Director of Andrews House (http://andrewshouse.org/).  Learn what the needs are in our community, what is being done, and what you can do to help. 

Our Loose Change donation in February and March will go to Andrews House in Delaware, OH.  Andrews House is Delaware's multifaceted community services center whose mission is "People strengthening people."  The Andrews House founders envisioned the facility as "...a place for hospitality, healing, and education and to advocate for individuals and families in the community. It is a safe place of acceptance, where people meet, learn, find solutions, overcome differences and achieve wholeness."  Andrews House is the home of six small social service agencies and also provides office space for a church and two small service-oriented businesses. Andrews House also supports eight programs separate from those of its resident partners including free meals, free legal advice, computer learning center, and a medical clinic.

Some Facts about Hunger in America

What is food insecurity?

Food insecurity refers to the inability to afford nutritionally adequate and safe foods.  There are four pillars of food security-- availability, access, utilization, and stability.

Why does it matter?

Food insecure individuals suffer from many physical and mental health concerns.  Specifically, food insecure and low-income people are especially vulnerable to obesity due to the additional risk factors associated with poverty, such as lack of access to healthy, affordable foods; fewer opportunities for physical activity; cycles of food deprivation and overeating; high levels of stress; greater exposure to marketing of obesity-promoting products; and limited access to health care.  Obesity is a major contributor to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and some cancers.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Facts

• Over 47 million low-income Americans participate in SNAP to help purchase food.
• 76 percent of SNAP households include a child, an elderly person, or a disabled person. These vulnerable households receive 83 percent of all SNAP benefits.
• 83 percent of SNAP households have incomes at or below 100 percent of the poverty guideline ($19,530 for a family of 3 in 2013). These households receive 91 percent of all SNAP benefits.
• Program eligibility is limited to households with gross income of no more than 130 percent of the federal poverty level and no more than $2000 in assets. Participants must also meet work and citizenship requirements.
• The average SNAP household has about 2 people, with a gross monthly income of $744 and countable assets of just $331.
• The average monthly SNAP benefit per person was $133.41 in FY2012, or less than $1.50 per person per meal.
• 90 percent of SNAP benefits are redeemed by day 21 of the benefit period - meaning most SNAP benefits are not enough to last recipients all month.
• All SNAP participants saw a drop in their benefits on November 1, 2013 - the average decrease was $36 for a family of four. Over the entire year, the average family of four will have $396 less to spend on food. 

HELP WANTED:  Our Social Action Committee has some ambitious and creative plans for this year.  We would love to have new (or returning) members on the committee to help us brainstorm and implement activities related to social justice.  We also welcome people who are unable to commit to being on the committee on a regular basis, but are willing to help with a specific project.  Contact Pam Patsch at pgp723@aol.com if you are interested in getting more involved in social justice at NUUC.

STANDING ON THE SIDE OF LOVE/UU JUSTICE OHIO T-SHIRTS AND RALLY SIGNS:Let your UU values show!  These yellow shirts and rally signs are a great way to make us visible at social justice events and to demonstrate our UU principles to others.  Contact Pam Patsch at pgp723@aol.com if you would like to buy a shirt or rally sign.

SOCIAL JUSTICE LIBRARY:  The Social Action Committee is starting a lending library of books and DVDs on social justice issues such as immigration, poverty, LGBTQ, environment, and human rights.  Check out our selection on the bookshelf in Fellowship Hall. Please consider donating appropriate books or DVDs to add to our collection. 

SOCIAL ACTION COMMITTEE BULLETIN BOARD:  Check out the folding divider in Fellowship Hall with information about upcoming SAC activities as well as issues and actions at the local, state, and national level.  If you have information about social justice issues you want to share with the congregation, please post it on the bulletin board or email it to Pam Patsch at pgp723@aol.com.