U.S. Rep’s. Jo Ann Emerson, R-Mo., and James McGovern D-MA., will participate in the “food stamp challenge,” a trend sponsored by religious groups and community activists across the country.

Beginning on May 15, the pair willl eat and drink only what $21 would buy, which equals the average food stamp benefit for a week. Last week, they circulated a letter to House colleagues asking them to join the challenge. So far, none have joined.

McGovern and Emerson are co-chairs of the House Hunger Caucus and have co-sponsored the “Feeding America’s Families Act of 2007.” Within their bill is a provision excluding from food-stamp eligibility, any additional payment received by a service member deployed to a designated combat zone. The exclusion is valid for the duration of the member’s deployment.

While MOPNS applauds the representatives for their efforts, they should also address the question: Why are many of our military families on food stamps?