2012 Offering of Letters: Expanding the Circle of Protection

Bread for the World is: Bread for the World is a collective Christian voice urging our nation’s decision makers to end hunger at home and abroad. By changing policies, programs, and conditions that allow hunger and poverty to persist, we provide help and opportunity far beyond the communities in which we live.

Christians across the nation uniting their voices. A unified voice that creates lasting change for hungry people. An opportunity to use the gift of living in a democracy. An Offering of Letters is:

Biblical Basis If you spend yourselves on behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. - Isaiah 58:10

2011: Outcomes Defended funding for domestic safety-net programs when one in five U.S. households struggles to get enough to eat. Protected funding for international aid programs that save lives and reduce poverty for the world’s neediest people.

Create a circle of protection around programs vital for hungry and poor people in the U.S. and abroad. 2012: The Goal

Budget Realities Programs for low-income people did not cause the deficit. These programs stimulate local economies. We need to cut hunger, not hunger programs.

Expanding the Circle of Protection: Mini-Campaigns

Expanding the Circle of Protection: Overall Campaign Protect essential programs for low-income people, especially in difficult economic times. Raise congressional awareness about how helpful and effective these programs are. Create a strong national voice in support of programs for low- income people.

Mini-Campaign Nutrition Assistance Create a circle of protection around funding for vital domestic nutrition programs that meet the needs of millions of American families.

Mini-Campaign Nutrition Assistance These programs work. We need to support the current benefit levels. SNAP (formerly food stamps) needs to be protected so it can continue to meet families’ needs.

Mini-Campaign Poverty-Focused Foreign Assistance Create a circle of protection around funding for vital poverty-focused foreign assistance programs that address the root causes of poverty.

Mini-Campaign Poverty-Focused Foreign Assistance Protect funding for foreign assistance. Support Feed the Future, international development Maintain USAID’s staff working capacity. Increase funding for 1,000 Days programs.

Mini-Campaign Tax Credits Create a circle of protection around tax credits for low- income families.

Mini-Campaign Tax Credits Pulls more children out of poverty than any other government program. Extend the current benefits for both EITC and CTC.

Mini-Campaign International Food Aid Create a circle of protection around funding for international food aid programs that serve as the greatest—and often only— line of defense between millions of families and hunger.

Mini-Campaign International Food Aid Protect funding for international food aid programs. Improve the nutritional quality of food aid. Support local agriculture.

Letters to Congress

Key Components of a Letter Make it personal. What motivates you to write? Make it clear. “I want you to protect programs such as …” Include your return address on the letter and envelope.

Tools & Resources

2012 Offering of Letters Website Stay current on the campaigns

Bread for the World Channel

2012 Hunger Report and Study Guide Hunger Report : Addresses root causes and solutions. Christian Study Guide: Six small- group sessions.

Bread Blog

Other Ways to Get Involved

Become a Bread member. Join or start a local Bread Team. Visit your member of Congress. Become a Bread Covenant Church. Get Involved!

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