Statement attributed to Vince Hall, Feeding America chief government relations officer
"We urge Congress to consider the implications of budget reconciliation proposals for the nearly 50 million people, including 14 million children, who experience hunger in the U.S. Since the pandemic, food insecurity has continued to increase, reaching its highest levels since the economic downturn of 2008. While each person's experience is unique, people facing hunger have expressed common priorities: dignity and respect, access to healthy food to support a healthy life, and economic stability and mobility.
Strong investments in federal nutrition programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) help millions of people—including families with children, seniors and active-duty military members—become more food-secure. Cutting funding for these crucial programs will further harm families who are already navigating high costs of food and other essentials, while also hurting rural economies and agricultural producers who rely on a stable market. SNAP is one of the best investments our country makes in local communities.
Cuts to nutrition programs will also cause strain to the Feeding America network of over 200 food banks and 60,000 faith-based and charitable partners. While food banks are working hard to keep their shelves stocked for their neighbors, they cannot absorb the large increase in demand that the proposed cuts will create. Many are already struggling to meet sustained and heightened needs in their communities because of higher food prices and fewer resources.
If these proposals move forward, they could also risk further delaying the passage of a bipartisan farm bill. Congress has entrusted this effort to the House and Senate agriculture committees, and they have been working hard to develop a bill that supports families facing hunger, U.S. farmers and producers, and our nation’s charitable food system. We urge Congress to reject spending cuts to nutrition programs in the budget reconciliation process that would hinder their work in ensuring America has the food it needs 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.