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A Whole New Look!
Welcome to MAZON’s newly redesigned electronic newsletter, The eAdvocate. Our improved and updated format seeks to bring you the latest from MAZON and the anti-hunger community in an interactive, user-friendly package.
MAZON is so grateful to its thousands of supporters, whose ongoing commitment sustains our investment in new technologies that not only enable us to do our work better – but also cheaper! An increasing reliance on electronic communications reduces our printing and postage costs, and allows us to devote more of our precious resources to the hungry families and children who rely on the critical assistance we provide.
So, from all of us at MAZON, thank you. And enjoy The eAdvocate!
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The Celebration of Purim
The Jewish community will celebrate the holiday of Purim this year on March 4. The holiday commemorates a time when the Jewish people living in Persia were saved from extermination, and is retold in the Megillat Esther, the scroll of the story of Esther.
In the Book of Esther, we are told to give mishloach manot, gifts of food, to friends. According to Jewish law, one should give a gift of two different types of food, one of which is cooked or baked, to at least one person. The giving of mishloach manot helps to create a feeling of community and celebration during the long and dreary winter months.
As we act on the mitzvah (good deed) of giving mishloach manot on Purim, we are also told to give tzedakah (charity or justice) to two different people or organizations. Even during times of joy and celebration, we are enjoined to remember those who are less fortunate.
This year, as we begin our Purim festivities, let us not forget the millions of hungry families and children around the country. Even as our time is occupied giving mishloach manot to friends and loved ones, may we also see our way to giving a little of ourselves in the fight for social justice.
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Going the Extra Mile: A Grantee in Action
The ARK
Chicago, IL
In the spirit of Purim and its tradition of mishloach manot (giving gifts of food), a longtime MAZON grantee is once again going the extra mile to comfort people in need. Through the joint efforts of clients, staff and volunteers, The ARK is collecting food that will become a festive meal for nearly 300 needy individuals and families. For Purim, The ARK also  distributes matanot l’evyonim—gifts of money to the needy. Last year, more than $25,000—money donated by ARK supporters specifically for this purpose—was distributed to needy families. Central to The ARK’s mission is its role in involving members of the local community to help others and to foster community change. Through its multi-faceted approach, The ARK addresses the diverse needs of its beneficiaries and assists them in reaching self-sufficiency. Services include: a food pantry, medical, legal and social welfare services, referrals, and advocacy. Additionally, The ARK’s case managers assist clients in determining their eligibility for state or federal food programs and help them to navigate through government agencies’ application processes. Clients typically receive food pantry assistance for an average of only 6-12 months before achieving self-sufficiency, which is a tribute to the efficiency of The ARK’s efforts. The ARK’s anti-hunger work is a compelling example of a participative, community-wide approach. Through its inclusive work, The ARK provides critical safety-net services that have a positive impact on clients, policy makers and the public at large.
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From the Toolbox
Happy Tax Season!
Make this tax season a happy one by assisting a low-income wage earner in getting a tax refund through the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) program. Applying for EITC may reduce the amount of tax owed or may also qualify eligible people for a refund. Many social service providers, including some MAZON grantees, assist individuals with EITC filing and other special credits, such as the Child Tax Credit and the Credit for the Elderly—all free of charge!
If your organization is interested in promoting this important anti-poverty program, the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, one of MAZON’s key policy partners, offers a very useful 2007 Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit Outreach Kit. For more information, visit the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.
Click here for useful resources on tax credits developed by Community Resources Information, Inc., an independent nonprofit organization.
Zoom in on Budget FY2008
It’s that time of the year to stay informed about the President’s budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2008. Changes are being proposed to the Food Stamp Program, WIC, Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) and the Community Food and Nutrition Program (CFNP). These changes will cut vital services for low-income people. For more information and detailed analysis of the FY 2008 budget, visit the websites of the following MAZON anti-hunger partners:
Center on Budget and Policy Priorities Washington, DC
Coalition on Human NeedsWashington, DC
Food Research & Action Center (FRAC) Washington, DC
The 2007 Hunger Report is Out!
Bread for the World Institute
Washington, DC
MAZON is a longtime anti-hunger partner and ongoing supporter of Bread for the World Institute (Bread), which has released its 2007 Hunger Report. Each year, as part of Bread’s commitment to anti-hunger  education, the organization publishes this annual report on the state of world hunger. The report aims to strengthen the anti-hunger movement by analyzing the causes of and solutions to hunger. This year’s publication, “Healthy Food, Farms and Families: Hunger 2007,” focuses on the Farm Bill currently up for reauthorization before the U.S. Congress. Many elements of this legislation affect hungry people in the United States and in the developing world. Key nutrition programs, rural development initiatives, commodity payments, conservation programs and agricultural trade issues are all shaped by the Farm Bill. This report gives effective tools and vital arguments for a fair reauthorization of the Farm Bill, making a case for reforms that can substantially reduce hunger.
For more details on the report, or to download the electronic version of it, please click here.
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