Relieving Hunger

Thanks to Sonia Nazario’s “Hunger Wars” series (Nov. 20-23) and additional articles on Dec. 12 and 14, increased attention to the problem of hunger is being paid by The Times’ readers. More schoolchildren in West Covina will be receiving much-needed free or reduced-price breakfasts.

Thousands of other children can receive breakfast at school. The Southern California Interfaith Hunger Coalition has successfully worked to bring the program to communities as diverse as Tustin and Inglewood, and works to let parents know that the program is available. Parents and communities can contact us for help in bringing breakfast to their school through our child nutrition hot line: (800) Eat-N-Gro, or (800) 328-6476.

But even as more children are being fed, our real worry is that the Republican “contract on America” will take away the limited safety net that exists for hungry children in this country. We commend The Times on tackling this issue.

ELIZABETH RILEY

Executive Director, Southern California

Interfaith Hunger Coalition

Los Angeles