Attributed to Matt Knott, President of Feeding America
“Today, the United States Senate passed S. 3042, the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, by a vote of 86-11. This bipartisan bill protects the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and we thank the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee for their efforts to support federal nutrition programs.
“The Senate bill protects SNAP for children, seniors, veterans, and families who rely on the program for vital nutrition assistance, while encouraging employment. In contrast, the House version of the Farm Bill (H.R. 2) cuts eligibility and replaces existing program work requirements with unreasonable new restrictions, dramatically limiting the benefit’s availability for people in need.
“We also commend the Senate’s adoption of additional funding for The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), thanks to the leadership of Chairman Pat Roberts, Ranking Member Debbie Stabenow, and Senator Joe Donnelly. Our member food banks depend on TEFAP to address the significant need for food assistance in communities, nationwide. We will continue to work with representatives from both the House and Senate, as the legislation moves to conference, to strengthen SNAP and TEFAP.
“As the Farm Bill progresses, we urge lawmakers from both sides of the aisle to focus on supporting America’s agriculture producers while also protecting and funding critical federal nutrition programs.”
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About Feeding America
Feeding America is committed to an America where no one is hungry. We support tens of millions of people who experience food insecurity to get the food and resources they say they need to thrive as part of a nationwide network of food banks, statewide food bank associations, food pantries and meal programs. We also invest in innovative solutions to increase equitable access to nutritious food, advocate for legislation that improves food security and work to address factors that impact food security, such as health, cost of living and employment. We partner with people experiencing food insecurity, policymakers, organizations, and supporters, united with them in a movement to end hunger. Visit FeedingAmerica.org to learn more.