What’s Happening with the Farm Bill and Why It Matters
We’re sharing an important update on the Farm Bill and its potential impact on food assistance programs. All year, anti-hunger agencies have been closely watching the Farm Bill, a vital piece of legislation passed every five years that greatly impacts food assistance. Unfortunately, the 2018 Farm Bill expired on September 30th, and Congress has yet to agree on a new one.
THE GOOD NEWS:
SNAP (formerly food stamps) and TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program) are still in place for now.
THE NOT SO GOOD NEWS:
Food assistance funding is at the center of the debate holding up the new Farm Bill.
The Farm Bill proposed by the House Agriculture Committee earlier this year would cut SNAP benefits for 40 million people starting in 2027. The situation is dire. We need a Farm Bill passed that protects and strengthens food assistance programs.
What can YOU do?
Congress may be in recess, but there is plenty that we can do now to support our neighbors:
Vote. Vote for people and legislation that reflects your values and not just at the federal level. Local races may not impact the Farm Bill, but they do impact food assistance right here in Pierce County.
Learn more about the bill and spread the word. FRAC has incredible resources about the Farm Bill and what is at stake.
Contact your representatives. Find your representatives in the House and the Senate at this link and tell them supporting SNAP and food assistance is critical. Congress will be back in session on November 12th and they need to hear from you!
The most important thing we can do to strengthen the emergency food system is to give more households the ability to afford all of their basic needs so that they never need to visit a food pantry. By using your vote and your voice, you can help ensure that no person goes hungry in Pierce County or anywhere in the country.
Thanks for your support!
Michelle Douglas
CEO