According to Feeding America, a nationwide network of food banks (like the St. Louis Area Foodbank) and pantries, last year their network of over 200 food banks and meal programs sourced, received and distributed more than seven billion pounds of food.  They hope to dispel myths about food banks to bring attention to the critical needs they serve.  For example, it is a common misconception that food banks only distribute non-perishable items; in fact, many food banks distribute fresh produce, lean proteins, and dairy.  It is also a myth that food insecurity is only about hunger; many food banks offer nutrition education, medically tailored meals and connections to healthcare.  47 million people in the U.S. face daily challenges with hunger and its social and health impacts.  Over 13 million children, one in five, don’t have enough food to grow up strong, and no county in this country is untouched by hunger.   Despite the great need for food assistance in our communities, Congress is considering deep cuts to SNAP, the program that helps over 47 million people buy groceries.  Last year, SNAP provided nine times the number of meals than the Feeding America network.  To truly end hunger, we need both local charities and strong federal programs working together.  In addition to the help provided by MMOC parishioners to area food pantries and generous donations to parish food drives, we can also urge our legislators to continue support for SNAP.