Congressional Hunger Center Board of Directors adds AARP’s Jo Ann Jenkins

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 24, 2012

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Congressional Hunger Center Board of Directors adds AARP’s Jo Ann Jenkins

WASHINGTON—AARP Executive Vice President Jo Ann Jenkins has been appointed to the Congressional Hunger Center (CHC) Board of Directors.

The Congressional Hunger Center elevates issues of domestic and international hunger as priorities for policymakers in the U.S. government through education and advocacy, and also aims to raise a new generation of leaders to fight against hunger and poverty.

“Even with nearly 9 million people over age 50 at risk of hunger in the U.S., older Americans are often overlooked when hunger initiatives are discussed. AARP believes that no one, of any age should go hungry.” said Jenkins. “Being asked to be a part of the board of the Congressional Hunger Center is a great honor and by working together, I know we can advance solutions to the issue of hunger in America.”

“We welcome Jo Ann’s dedication and expertise, that will help us mobilize broad participation to end poverty and hunger in our land and around the world,” said CHC Board Co-Chair, Representative Jo Ann Emerson. “We look forward to working with her in the coming years to promote food security for those of all ages,” said Representative James P. McGovern, CHC Board Co-Chair, upon the installation of Jenkins at the January 24, 2012 board meeting.

The recession has taken an especially large toll on older people—particularly those in the middle class. Between 2007 and 2009, the most dramatic increase in food insecurity was among those with annual incomes more than twice the poverty line. More recently, hunger among older Americans has spiked nearly 80 percent since 2001. The issue of hunger is in need of being addressed, especially for 50+ Americans.

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization with a membership that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates. We produce AARP The Magazine, the definitive voice for 50+ Americans and the world's largest-circulation magazine with nearly 35 million readers; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for AARP's millions of members and Americans 50+; AARP VIVA, the only bilingual U.S. publication dedicated exclusively to the 50+ Hispanic community; and our website, AARP.org. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. We have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

CHC is a bipartisan, nonprofit organization, located in Washington, DC. CHC trains and inspires leaders who work to end hunger and advocates public policies that create a food secure world. Through education and advocacy, CHC elevates domestic and international hunger issues as priorities for U.S. policymakers. It administers the Bill Emerson National Fellows Program and the Mickey Leland International Hunger Fellows Program, named in honor of these two late Congressional leaders who dedicated their careers to fighting hunger and poverty. Visit www.hungercenter.org for more details.