Action Alert - Farm Bill and SNAP

The Senate Agriculture Committee approved its version of the Farm Bill, which included a $4.5 billion cut to SNAP. The reduction came from a program called Heat and Eat. The program predominantly benefits low-income seniors and people with disabilities. It is estimated that if this change goes into effect, 500,000 low-income households would lose an average of $90 in monthly benefits.  Senator Gillibrand (NY-D) has introduced a bi-partisan supported amendment (S.A. 2156) to the Farm Bill that will restore the $4.5 billion cut made to SNAP (formerly know as Food Stamps). The Senate is expected to vote on the amendment in the coming days.

Please take action and call or email your Senator.

Template Letter with CBO statistics on SNAP (Please use or personalize this text)

Jewish Platform for a Just Farm Bill (You may also send this to your Senator)

Call Toll Free: 1-877-698-8228 (Thanks to our friends at Feeding America for the toll-free line!)

As to speak to the staff member who is working on the Farm Bill.  If unavailable, leave a message or tell the person who answers the phone:

"Hi. My name is ___________ and I represent __[insert name of agency]_____. I'm concerned about the Farm Bill that the Senate is considering this week. We need a strong Farm Bill to ensure that low-income families, children, and seniors don't go hungry each day. Please support the Gillibrand amendment to restore $4.5 billion to SNAP. Thanks."

Please let Shelley Rood know once you have taken action so we can monitor the response!  If you have questions, please ask Shelley Rood.