by Jessica Dietrich, Director of Government Relations and Public Policy
This year, the most important legislation for addressing food insecurity is being considered by Congress – the Farm Bill. But what is the Farm Bill, really? A bill about farms? Yes, but at a much deeper level than most people might realize.
The Farm Bill is vital legislation that is typically passed every five years. It is the responsibility of the United States House and Senate Agriculture Committees to oversee the development of a Farm Bill that will summon majority approval from both chambers and both major political parties.
The Farm Bill is vital to both the agricultural community and the overall food system. It is a comprehensive piece of legislation that covers a wide range of programs and policies related to farming, nutrition, and rural development. It includes provisions for crop insurance, subsidies for farmers, conservation programs, research funding, and support for rural communities. The bill also includes food assistance programs, most notably SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), initiatives to promote access to healthy food, and local food production. Essentially, every aspect of our food system interacts with policies included in the Farm Bill in one or more ways.
Though there is a broad range of programs included in the Farm Bill, the most essential program for food security in Oklahoma and across the country is SNAP. Hunger Free Oklahoma has developed a comprehensive list of priorities for the legislation. But, simply put, our overarching priorities for the Farm Bill are to invest in what works, reduce barriers, and support innovation. For example:
- Investing in what works could mean that Congress supports SNAP, the most effective anti-hunger program, by ensuring that benefits reflect the cost of a balanced, nutritious diet by boosting the minimum benefit level; currently just $23 per month for a two-person household.
- Reducing barriers could mean Congress changes policies to simplify the SNAP application process and reduce the reporting frequency for those with fixed incomes, such as older adults and individuals with disabilities.
- Supporting innovation could mean Congress supplies resources for states to modernize benefit systems and to protect against benefit theft.
These are just a few of the ways Congress could make strategic investments and policy changes that would positively impact millions, increasing food security in our state and country.
To ensure that Congress includes policies like those above, it is crucial for food security advocates to speak up and align on issues so that our elected officials know what to prioritize during Farm Bill development.
With the enormous number of programs and policies included in the Farm Bill, many groups and individuals are speaking with members of Congress to weigh in on what policies and programs are important to them. To put it simply, food security advocates need to be at the table, or we will be on the menu.
You can take action today by contacting your members of Congress and telling them about your experience with food insecurity. Sharing your story helps elected officials connect the dry legislative language to actual lives impacted. Find your members of Congress here and reach out to them today.