Resolution Adopted by the CCAR
On Hunger and Food banks
Adopted by the CCAR at the 94th Annual Convention of
the Central Conference of American Rabbis
Los Angeles, March 13-16, 1983
One of the most significant mitzvot
in our tradition calls upon us to feed the hungry and clothe the naked. Despite this
prophetic mandate, experts in the area of poverty and hunger inform us that malnutrition
in America, which had been eliminated in the late 1970’s, in large part because of poverty and food-stamp programs, has re-emerged. They cite Reagan Administration
budgetary cuts, especially pressure upon the Department of Agriculture by the Office
of Budget and Administration, as the main reason for the increasing levels of illness,
infant mortality, and starvation in American households.
We see repeated examples of farmers, supermarkets, and corporations being prevented
from distributing their surplus foodstuffs to those in need. We learn about the plight
of millions of impoverished families and individuals being denied food stamps and
medical care where once they were available. We know of many cases such as the court
order demanding that Department of Agriculture officials spend unused funds to feed
47,000 poor women and children in Georgia and New York. We view the long lines of
people waiting for supplies from local synagogue, church, and civic food banks. We hear the
fears expressed about increased malnutrition and starvation if food and medical projects
are returned to State governments by the Federal government, considering that such efforts were created because of individual States’ inability and/or unwillingness
to provide for their impoverished citizens and residents.
In 1975, the Central Conference of American Rabbis resolved that the issue of hunger
be given high priority by synagogue and communal institutions. In 1981, the Pacific
Association of Reform Rabbis urged its constituent members to create “food banks”
and similar projects for collection and distribution of nourishment and clothing within
their local communities. In 1982, the Central Conference of American Rabbis decried
budget cuts which further limited foods subsidies and health care.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that because conditions have only grown worse since the passage
of these resolutions, and since the future portends even greater hardships for the
poor, we urge the CCAR membership to reinforce and strengthen those guidelines enumerated in 1975 and 1981 for education and action. Further, we urge our membership to
create “food banks” and food collection and distribution projects and to work in
cooperation with other religious and civic organizations to share our bounty and
our blessings with those who lack the essentials of life: food, clothing, medicine. and shelter.