Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) announced the appointment of Dr. Mariana Chilton, Associate Professor of Public Health at the Drexel University School of Public Health, to the National Commission on Hunger. As  part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2014 (H.R.3547), the National Commission on Hunger focuses on developing new innovative methods to help solve the looming concern of domestic hunger. The Commission will establish partnerships with non-profits, faith-based organizations, and the business sector to help find solutions to this pressing issue.

“I am pleased Dr. Chilton will represent Pennsylvania on the National Commission on Hunger,” said Senator Casey.“Hunger is unfortunately a reality for many Pennsylvanians, especially for our seniors and children. I am confident that this commission will produce solutions that will help to end hunger in America.”

“Bob has been a champion for ending hunger. He recommended Dr. Chilton to this important commission and I know she will provide a valuable perspective,” said Senator Reid. “Anyone can experience hunger, as we have learned during recent tough economic times. But we know hunger disproportionally affects children and seniors. This is a problem we can solve through community partnerships and I am confident the findings of this commission will bring us closer to a solution.”

“I am honored to be appointed to the National Commission on Hunger by Senator Reid,” said Dr. Chilton.  “My professional career has been devoted to making sure that the health impacts of hunger are addressed in food assistance programs, and also to ensuring that families who know poverty first hand can participate in developing solutions to hunger.  I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Commission, and to guiding the nation towards solutions that will have a lasting, positive impact on the health and wellbeing of America’s families and on the US economy.”