Attributed to Kate Leone, Chief Government Relations Officer
"The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act that just passed the House will be critical to shielding our communities from some of the harshest impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, but it will not be enough to stem the tide of increased nutrition assistance. Feeding America, the largest hunger-relief organization in the country, is pleased that the bill included new resources that will connect the food produced by American farmers with people in need, but we are disappointed that Congress missed the opportunity to cut red tape that is hindering our ability to distribute it more safely and efficiently. We are also deeply concerned about the failure to include an increase in benefits for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). We are seeing an unprecedented increase in need as people seek food assistance for the first time. SNAP is an efficient way to provide relief to families and provide stability for the economy. We hope the President will quickly sign the CARES Act into law and look forward to working with Congress and the administration on further measures to address hunger in the coming weeks.
“By not increasing SNAP benefits, lawmakers missed an opportunity to help families facing hunger and, unfortunately, food banks will bear the burden of this oversight. SNAP is this nation’s first line of defense against hunger, and for every meal that the Feeding America network of 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries and meals sites provide, SNAP provides nine. SNAP is also rated as one of the most effective supports for the economy during economic downturns by the Congressional Budget Office and Moody’s Analytics.
“It will take all of us — from charities to our lawmakers — to help keep food on tables for families across our nation. We urge Congress and the administration to make additional investments in our families struggling with hunger by increasing SNAP benefits and removing red tape in future legislation as they consider additional ways to help our country move past this crisis.”
Contact
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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.