GREENFIELD — James McGovern on Wednesday elected to serve his constituents in more ways than one.
The Democrat representing the 2nd Congressional District of Massachusetts spent time doling out food at the Second Congregational Church in Greenfield. He visited Franklin County to highlight the success of organizations and advocates helping to reduce hunger in local communities. McGovern met with guests at the free community meal sponsored by the Franklin County Community Meals Program and helped serve food after visiting the Western Massachusetts Food Processing Center at 324 Wells St.
At both places, the congressman voiced his support for government assistance in battling food insecurity and he lambasted those in Washington more focused on partisanship and helping the wealthy.
“I think hunger is a political condition. I think we have the resources, we have the infrastructure, we have the know-how to end it, but we don’t have the political will,” he said, donning an apron in the church’s kitchen, preparing to serve guests. “And one of the problems right now is that the Republicans are talking about a farm bill that would cut (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) by $160 billion. And the president — I just saw a headline this morning — has his own idea of what a farm bill should look like, and that includes more hurdles and more requirements and more disrespect for people who are eligible for food and nutrition programs.”
Andrea Leibson, the meals program’s executive director, said she understands public assistance is meager anyway. McGovern said benefits average $1.40 per person per meal, with some people receiving $15 a month.
“To me, food ought to be a right — every single person, not only in the country, but on the planet,” he said, echoing a sentiment he expressed when speaking at the North Quabbin Community Coalition’s September forum. “Thank God for … all these incredible people that are here today because, I mean, even with the governmental benefits, which are pretty stingy, it’s not enough to be able to survive.”
Guests were served lasagna, quiche, chicken stew, salad, fresh fruit, bread and some desserts.
Alexander Shriner of Greenfield was at the church to eat and said it was nice to see his congressman roll up his sleeves and do something about area hunger.
“It’s good to see him again,” Shriner said. “I faithfully believe that he’s working in our best interests. … It’s a blessing to see that, actually, he cares and that he’s here and he’s lending some support.”
Earlier in the afternoon, John Waite, executive director of the Franklin County Community Development Center, which operates the food processing center, introduced the congressman to roughly 30 members of FoodCorps, a nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting schoolchildren with healthy food. McGovern told the young adults how access to healthy food can improve educational performance.
Reach Domenic Poli at: dpoli@recorder.com or 413-772-0261, ext. 258.