Statement attributed to Vince Hall, Feeding America chief government relations officer
This week, as key House committees markup budget reconciliation legislation, we ask that they reject proposals that reduce funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid. Our neighbors facing hunger are facing difficult times and tell us that now is not the time to reduce these vital programs. Strengthening and maintaining these essential programs helps families get the resources they need to thrive, while supporting food banks and community programs as they continue providing vital support to meet the growing need.
With the costs of food and health care already out of reach for many, families need these programs now more than ever. A budget resolution that reduces funding for SNAP and Medicaid will take away food and affordable health care from seniors, children, families and veterans at a time when food insecurity has reached nearly 50 million people, the highest rate in over a decade.
We ask that Congress also maintain the long-standing federal commitment to ensuring that all families can afford a nutritious diet, no matter where they live, by rejecting proposals to shift a portion of the cost of SNAP to states. Most states simply do not have the resources to absorb these costs and would be forced to reduce benefits, restrict participation, or both. This would intensify food insecurity and financial strain for families in communities across the country.
Eliminating or reducing essential food and health care supports would also increase demand on food banks when they are already operating at full capacity and cannot meet any additional need.
Just as we all want for our own families, our neighbors facing hunger want access to fresh, nutritious food and the opportunity to thrive. Instead of passing legislation that would erode federal programs like SNAP and Medicaid, we encourage Congress to prioritize passing a strong, bipartisan farm bill that can help working families put food on their tables.
We stand with the nearly 50 million Americans facing food insecurity and are ready to work with leaders at every level to advance policies that ensure everyone has access to the food they need to thrive.
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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.