The Farm Bill is a comprehensive package of legislation passed once every five years that has a direct impact on agriculture, food systems, and consumers. It covers programs ranging from crop insurance for farmers to healthy food access for low-income families. The Farm Bill has different sections — known as titles — that can change over time. The 2018 Farm Bill had 12 titles. Out of those 12 titles, Title Four is the most relevant for anti-hunger advocates. The Nutrition title covers the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), as well as a variety of smaller nutrition programs to help individuals and families with low incomes afford food. As the current Farm Bill’s expiration approaches, the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC) calls on anti-hunger advocates to influence the forthcoming legislation.

Advocacy Actions

• Use the FRAC Action Network to quickly and easily contact your Member of Congress and urge them to oppose efforts to weaken or cut SNAP to finance other provisions in the Farm Bill.
• FRAC and more than 1,400 national, state, and community-based organizations signed onto a letter urging Congress to protect and strengthen SNAP. Use FRAC’s communications toolkit to spread the word.
• Share FRAC’s one-pager on Farm Bill priorities.
• Actively engage your Members of Congress in your advocacy. Use these FRAC resources.
• Visit House and Senate for instructions on how to contact your Member. Use FRAC’s customizable email template to send your Members a message.
• Collect stories to document the harm and negative impacts that the hunger cliff and other efforts to weaken SNAP have done in your community.
• Engage media – print and social – to alert Members of Congress to anti-hunger priorities.

Legislative Priorities

1. Closing the Meal Gap Act (H.R. 3037/S.1336): Enhance SNAP benefits by updating allotment calculations and removing caps on deductions. This act aims to better align SNAP benefits with the actual cost of living, addressing the gap between benefits and needs.
2. Improving Access to Nutrition Act (H.R. 1510/S. 2435): Remove time limits on SNAP eligibility for able-bodied adults without dependents, ensuring continuous access to nutrition support for those in need.
3. Enhance Access to SNAP Act (EATS Act) (H.R. 3183/S.1488): Simplify SNAP eligibility for college students, recognizing the growing food insecurity among this demographic.
4. Hot Foods Act (H.R. 3519/S. 2258): Permit SNAP benefits to be used for hot, prepared foods, which is vital for individuals without access to cooking facilities.
5. Lift the Bar Act (H.R. 4170/S.2038): Restore access to public programs, including SNAP, for lawfully present immigrants, addressing barriers to food security for this population.
6. Restore Act (H.R. 3479/S. 1753): Repeal the lifetime ban on SNAP for individuals with felony drug convictions, supporting reintegration and reducing recidivism by addressing food insecurity.

The Road Ahead

The Farm Bill process involves extensive deliberation among lawmakers. As negotiations proceed, it’s crucial for advocates to remain engaged and vocal about the importance of maintaining and enhancing nutrition programs. The collective efforts of anti-hunger advocates can shape a Farm Bill that ensures food security for all Americans.