Critical Crossroads for a Just “Farm Bill”
CALL TO ACTION
- Call Indiana Rep. Jim Baird, member of the US Agriculture Committee responsible for the Farm Bill (D.C. office: 202-225-5037; Danville office: 317-563-5567). To view Rep. Baird’s webpage, click HERE.
- Contact Your Representatives:
TEFAP, SNAP & the Impact on LUM Clients
As the Farm Bill undergoes scrutiny in Congress, programs like The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are standing at a crucial juncture. These programs serve as vital lifelines for those in need, ensuring food security during times of economic hardship. This moment demands an urgent call to action from our supporters to safeguard and strengthen TEFAP and SNAP, recognizing the profound impact it has on our local neighbors accessing LUM services.
The ongoing discussions in Congress, with the government currently operational, necessitate a focused advocacy effort to safeguard and strengthen these programs.
- TEFAP provides critical support to food banks and pantries. LUM Food Pantries rely on TEFAP to ensure that we have the resources to distribute nutritious food to those in need.
- SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, is a cornerstone of our nation’s efforts to combat hunger. The Farm Bill discussions include decisions about SNAP funding, eligibility criteria, and benefit levels, all of which have direct consequences on the well-being of vulnerable individuals and the families served by LUM.
LUM Food Pantries and Financial Assistance Program directly serve individuals and families facing economic hardships in the community. The decisions made in the Farm Bill discussions will have a profound impact on our neighbors in need:
- Access to Nutritious Food: Changes in TEFAP and SNAP funding directly affect the variety and quantity of food available to LUM clients. Adequate resources are essential to ensuring that these individuals and families have access to nutritious meals.
- Financial Stability: SNAP benefits play a crucial role in helping LUM clients maintain financial stability. Any alterations to the program could impact the ability of families to meet other essential needs, such as housing, utilities, and healthcare.
CALL TO ACTION
- Call Indiana Rep. Jim Baird, member of the US Agriculture Committee responsible for the Farm Bill (D.C. office: 202-225-5037; Danville office: 317-563-5567). To view Rep. Baird webpage, click HERE.
- Contact Your Representatives:
- Advocate for Equitable Access: Urge policymakers to ensure that TEFAP and SNAP address the unique needs of communities served by organizations like LUM, including those facing systemic barriers to food access.
- Raise Awareness on Social Media: Use your online presence to shed light on how changes to TEFAP and SNAP could impact LUM clients. Share stories of resilience and emphasize the need for continued support.
- Collaborate with Anti-Hunger Organizations: Align efforts with organizations, like LUM, dedicated to fighting hunger and poverty. A united front amplifies the impact of advocacy efforts and draws attention to the critical need for strong TEFAP and SNAP programs for community members served by LUM.
The time is now to stand together, raise our voices, and advocate for a just Farm Bill that upholds the values of compassion, equity, and the right to nutritious food for every American, including the participants of LUM Food Pantries and Financial Assistance Program.