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Jordan Baker
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Statement attributed to Luis Guardia, president, Food Research & Action Center (FRAC)

WASHINGTON, July 20, 2020 — The Food Research & Action Center (FRAC) is deeply saddened to learn of the recent passing of civil rights icon and U.S. Representative John Robert Lewis of Georgia.

Lewis was at the forefront of the Civil Rights Movement, championing equal rights for decades. From working alongside Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to secure the right to vote for African Americans in the segregated South to serving as one of the 13 original Freedom Riders, Lewis had dedicated his formative years to protecting human rights and securing civil liberties.

Since first elected to Congress in 1986, Lewis relentlessly advocated for the end of racism and systemic oppression, fought for the poor and vulnerable, and supported legislation designed to end hunger and poverty in the U.S. He was and will continue to be remembered as a formidable anti-hunger champion. “Families in our country look to Congress for support, protection, and guidance – especially when it comes to legislation that feeds and supports the health and nutrition of our nation,” Lewis said.

We celebrate Rep. Lewis’ lifetime of service and bravery. He is an inspiration to all of us advocating for underserved communities.

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The Food Research & Action Center is the leading national nonprofit organization working to eradicate poverty-related hunger and undernutrition in the United States. To learn more, visit FRAC.org and follow us on Twitter and on Facebook.