The Farm Bill supports America's farmers, ranchers and forest stewards through a variety of programs that promote conservation practices, provide loans and grants, facilitate training and education and protect landowners from disasters.
Beyond that, the 2024 Farm Bill is also crucial for over 40 million Americans who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
The program supports a diverse group, including seniors, people with disabilities, and children. Among the 22 million eligible adults, half work full-time, and 15% work part-time due to low-wage jobs, childcare, health issues, and limited job opportunities.
The remaining third face barriers like chronic health conditions, full-time caregiving, lack of job opportunities, and educational deficits. SNAP provides an average daily food budget of just $6 per recipient, essential for basic nutrition.
Notably, SNAP accounts for over 80% of the Farm Bill's total spending, highlighting its importance in addressing food insecurity.
Despite the need, lawmakers like Rep. Jack Bergman oppose high SNAP expenditures, advocating for cuts to curb federal spending. Cutting SNAP would force millions, including seniors, people with disabilities, and children, into deeper poverty and hunger.
Lawmakers must instead focus on why so many Americans need supplemental nutrition assistance and address issues like low wages, inadequate childcare, and a lack of accessible healthcare.
It's time to take action and call your Representative and Senator to support the 2024 Farm Bill. Protect millions of Americans from hunger. Our voices matter.