Attributed to Matt Knott, President of Feeding America
“Today, the United States Senate Agriculture Committee released its version of the 2018 Farm Bill. In its consideration of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the bill is a marked improvement from the House legislation, and we thank Chairman Roberts and Ranking Member Stabenow for their bipartisan cooperation.
“With regard to SNAP, the Senate measure is a stark improvement over the House Farm Bill (H.R. 2), which would dramatically limit the availability of the program and reduce the benefits provided. The Senate bill recognizes the SNAP program is already designed to encourage individuals to find work, and work more hours, and takes steps to address barriers to work that many face by strengthening and increasing partnerships in employment and training. The bill also makes targeted and reasonable improvements to SNAP program administration and in areas that will further strengthen the program.
“At the same time, the measure falls short of adequately investing in The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), a critical source of food for millions of individuals and families across the country. We want to work with the Senate to strengthen these provisions going forward.
“We all have a role to play in addressing hunger – charity and government – and SNAP provides critical assistance where we cannot. For every meal that Feeding America provides, SNAP provides 12. Feeding America’s national network of member food banks simply cannot meet the need in communities without robust investments in SNAP, TEFAP and other nutrition assistance programs.
“As the Farm Bill moves forward, we encourage lawmakers to recognize the importance of passing legislation that both supports America’s agricultural producers and strengthens key nutrition programs for seniors, veterans, children, and working families.”
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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.