FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 17, 2007

Stephanie Niedringhaus (NETWORK) 202-347-9797 x224, sniedringhaus@networklobby.org

CATHOLIC SOCIAL JUSTICE LOBBY CALLS FOR FARM BILL CHANGES

Washington , DC : Sister Simone Campbell, SSS, Executive Director of NETWORK, A National Catholic Social Justice Lobby, today joined with other religious leaders to call for a farm bill that will strengthen rural communities and help feed people living in poverty.

Noting that current farm policies harm many small-scale farmers in the U.S. and other nations and that they distort our nation’s food supply system, NETWORK has lobbied strongly for a farm bill that helps ensure:

• Healthy food for all families
• Conservation of our land, water and air
• Vibrant rural communities
• Fairness for U.S. and global farmers.

NETWORK’s vision for fair legislation comes from principles of Catholic social teaching, which call us to:

• Act in solidarity with people who are poor and vulnerable
• Serve as stewards of God’s creation
• Promote the common good
• Stand in solidarity with the global community.

Speaking at a Capitol Hill press conference, Sister Simone Campbell said, “NETWORK calls on Congress to use the farm bill as an opportunity to strengthen the access to food for hungry people in our country. A prominent story in the Christian scriptures tells of Jesus feeding those who were hungry. Another tells of his charge to his followers to feed the hungry. We urge Congress to remove administrative barriers that keep poor and hungry people from accessing food through the food stamp program. We urge Congress to create programs that reach out to seniors, the sick, disabled and vulnerable families. We urge Congress to follow the dictates of Jesus and all other spiritual leaders—give healthy food to those who are hungry.”

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NETWORK—a Catholic leader in the global movement for justice and peace—educates, organizes and lobbies for economic and social transformation. Founded in 1971 by 47 Catholic sisters, NETWORK is supported by thousands of groups and individuals committed to working for social and economic justice. For more information, see www.networklobby.org.