The Vital Role of SNAP: Protecting and Expanding Food Security through the Farm Bill
The Vital Role of SNAP: Protecting and Expanding Food Security through the Farm Bill
One in 6 Oregonians relies on SNAP to buy the foods they need to live.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, formerly known as food stamps, are part of a larger piece of federal legislation called the Farm Bill. This bill isn't just about farms; it covers a lot of things related to food and agriculture. It includes programs for farmers, food assistance for our communities (like SNAP), environmental justice efforts and more.
SNAP is one of the most significant parts of the Farm Bill because it helps millions of people buy the foods they need to survive and thrive. Right now, Congress is updating the Farm Bill. Our elected officials in Congress are deciding how much money and support should go to this critical program that helps more than 700,000 Oregonians put food on the table.
SNAP is not only the nation's most successful and widely utilized anti-hunger program, but it also sustains our local economies. Every $1.00 in SNAP generates $1.50 in economic activity because SNAP creates jobs for grocery stores, farmers and workers across the food supply chain. Programs like SNAP, where government spending goes to low-income households, generate up to $2.00 of economic activity per dollar spent.
SNAP is essential to the overall well-being of this country. We are advocating for Congress to take the following actions to ensure that SNAP retains and expands its essential role in supporting communities and bolstering food security:
Modernize outdated income caps that exclude far too many individuals and families who struggle to afford food.
Eliminate time limits that restrict access to essential nourishment — and have little to no impact on employment.
Include individuals who are excluded from SNAP solely based on their immigration status — such as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) participants and Compact of Free Association (COFA) members.
Ensure that individuals participating in the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) can access SNAP benefits.
Enhance purchasing power to enable participants to afford more food of their choice.
Expand sustainable funding of GusNIP Double-Up Food Bucks to make fresh fruits and vegetables accessible to SNAP participants.
Together, as we advocate to protect and strengthen SNAP, you play a pivotal role in helping millions of people and families have enough food. Join us to make SNAP a more effective and inclusive program by emailing Congress.
