SNAP is a part of the Farm Bill, which is a package of legislation that covers how agriculture is regulated in the United States
April 19, 2023
As United Methodists, we are called to care for the most vulnerable in our society. Causes of hunger are intricately related to problems of poverty and greed. Hunger cannot be dissociated from people and systems that keep people in poverty (Book of Resolutions #4051).
We must urge the U.S. Congress to prioritize people and protect critical anti-poverty programs such as The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
SNAP is a part of the Farm Bill, which is a package of legislation that covers how agriculture is regulated in the United States. In 2022, more than 65% of SNAP participants were in households with children, 36% in households with disabled or elderly persons, and 41% in working families. Approximately 1 in 4 children currently rely on SNAP benefits. SNAP also provides grocery benefits for about 4 million adults with disabilities who often lack consistent access to food.
Despite the effectiveness of this program, SNAP is at risk for significant cuts and additional work requirements that would restrict access to program benefits. These negotiations are taking place as Congress is working to both reauthorize the Farm Bill and address the debt ceiling. We must urge Congress to reject proposals that would make it harder to access program benefits.
Further, we must urge Congress to provide marginalized populations with better access to SNAP by removing overly restrictive elements such as work requirements for college students, bans for lawfully present immigrants and non-violent drug crime offenders, and time limits for adults without dependents.
As United Methodists, we are called to support the poor and challenge the rich by supporting policies that begin to alleviate poverty (Social Principles, Paragraph 163.E). Many of us have seen hunger firsthand as our local congregations support nutrition ministries like food banks and feeding programs in our communities. Included in this ministry is the call to advocate for supportive policy and sustainable funding.
Use the form via the link below to make it clear to the 118th Congress that this is an issue important to United Methodist constituents.
