Speaker Pelosi to Serve 35th Millionth Meal at St. Anthony Foundation
SAN FRANCISCO, Feb 06, 2009 — Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a long time volunteer and supporter of St. Anthony's, will be at St. Anthony's on Sunday, February 8th to serve the organization's historic 35th million meal, with a press conference following. California State Senator Mark Leno will also be on hand to participate in the momentous event. With recent findings by the USDA that 35 million people (12 percent of Americans) could not put food on the table at least part of last year, and with a pending Economic Recovery Package that has passed in the House and is moving forward in the Senate, the Speaker's visit is both timely and appropriate.
"There are different ways to serve the poor -- you can serve food to the hungry on the front lines or you can support legislation that will help keep people from getting in the food line in the first place. Speaker Nancy Pelosi is showing that she wants to do both. That is good news for organizations like St.
Anthony's, which are today serving more meals than we ever have," noted Fr. John Hardin of St. Anthony Foundation.
For 58 years St. Anthony Foundation has helped heal individuals and families by providing free, life sustaining support for the poor and homeless. St. Anthony Foundation's programs offer gateways to escaping poverty by addressing immediate needs such as hunger and clothing, as well as long-term needs such as employment, drug and alcohol addiction, and physical and mental health. St.
Anthony Foundation does not accept any federal, state, or local government money, and is entirely funded by private donations.