Recent polling by Feeding America shows that 7 in 10 likely voters, with bipartisan support, want the federal government to do more to address food insecurity. Eighty-five percent of likely voters support increasing funding for The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) and 80% agree it’s possible to invest in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) while addressing other national priorities.
You have an opportunity to help families and individuals access the food we all need to thrive by strengthening TEFAP and SNAP provisions in the next farm bill. This includes:
- Doubling mandatory annual funding for TEFAP food purchases to help people facing hunger and support the U.S. agricultural economy.
- Increasing annual funding for TEFAP storage and distribution to $200 million to help food banks offset the rising costs of storing, transporting and distributing nutritious foods from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
- Ensuring SNAP’s purchasing power aligns with rising grocery prices and provides adequate support during tough economic times.
- Improving SNAP access for older adults, college students, veterans, working families, residents and other people who do not qualify for or are unable to participate in SNAP due to eligibility and enrollment barriers.
- Improving assistance to individuals seeking employment by supporting effective state employment and job training programs and ensuring people have access to SNAP benefits as they find work.
I support all of this. It’s important. We all do better when every American can thrive. Please make sure these priorities are met in the Farm Bill. Thanks.
First sent on January 26, 2024 by Jess Craven
