Federal farm legislation renews food subsidy reform debates.
The recently passed federal budget expands work requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the federal government’s food security program. Americans who show less than a certain amount of income are eligible to enroll in SNAP, which provides funds for the purchase of food and groceries. Under the new budget, SNAP applicants must also work 20 hours per week or more in order to be approved for SNAP benefits, which could affect roughly 750,000 people.
The farm spending bill, which is passed every five years, is being debated by the agricultural committees in Congress. This bill funds American farm commodity programs and nutrition programs. Some members of the House committee promoted a further narrowing of eligibility for SNAP during hearings this past week. The new bill needs to be passed before the old one expires on September 30 this year.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For members of the House and Senate as they deliberate over the farm bill and SNAP provisions.
- For Secretary Tom Vilsack as he oversees the agencies that make up the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
- For Administrator Cindy Long as she leads the Food and Nutrition Service.
Sources: Reuters, Food and Nutrition Service
