FRAC Releases New Polling Data Showing Overwhelming Support for Federal Efforts to End Hunger

Voters Strongly Support SNAP Funding

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Jennifer Adach, 202.986.2200 x3018

Washington, D.C. – December 7, 2010 – In the wake of the recent election, 80 percent of Americans believe that hunger is a serious problem for the country that must be addressed, according to new poll data released today by the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC). Those polled also believe overwhelmingly that the SNAP (food stamp) program must be protected in its key role of reducing hunger.

The poll of 802 registered voters was conducted by Hart Research Associates from November 5 – 8. Support for ending hunger and protecting SNAP from budget cuts was high across party lines, age, race, gender, income, and geographical areas.

The central findings of the poll were:

• 80 percent of Americans believe that low-income children and families not being able to afford enough to eat is a very or fairly serious problem for the country. Only six percent said it was not a serious problem;
• 81 percent believe the President’s goal of ending childhood hunger by 2015 is a very or fairly important goal for Congress and the President;
• 82 percent said it was important for Congress and the President also to set a goal of ending senior hunger by 2015;
• 74 percent say that SNAP is a program that is very or fairly important for the country;
• 71 percent say that cutting SNAP would be the wrong way for Congress to reduce spending next year; and
• 73 percent say that Congress should reduce other kinds of spending – not cut SNAP – to pay for increased funding for school lunches.

For the full press release and additional findings