A.G. Gancarski
Some sobering news ahead of Veterans’ Day: if you are a veteran of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, you are twice as likely to suffer from food insecurity as the average American.
A group of Congressional Democrats is seeking to remedy that, and that group includes a North Florida Congressman.
Rep. Al Lawson was among a group of Congressional Democrats who wrote Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin Wednesday, demanding answers on food scarcity issues for military veterans.
The V.A. just started collecting information on food scarcity issues for veterans this month; the goal, per the letter, is to get a yearly accounting starting next November from the V.A. to Congress on “hunger screenings” and ways that hunger is being remedied, such as SNAP benefits.
The letter notes that food scarcity for veterans doesn’t happen in a vacuum.
“Sadly, some veterans who have risked their lives for the freedom and safety of our country face high rates of disability, significant medical problems, and mental health conditions that may complicate their ability to maintain gainful employment. These men and women are also at greater risk for food insecurity.”
