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U.S. Senate Passes Bipartisan Farm Bill

Published on June 29, 2018

Yesterday, the U.S. Senate passed a bipartisan version of the Farm Bill in an overwhelming vote of 86-11 that will support farmers and strengthen federal food assistance. This bill protects funding and access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP or food stamps) and provides $100 million in funding for The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP).

The Senate’s collaborative effort stands in stark contrast to the damaging legislation passed by the House last week, which would cut SNAP eligibility and benefits for seniors, children, and veterans. We encourage federal lawmakers to reject these restrictive changes and support the Senate Farm Bill as both chambers reconcile their versions.

The Greater Boston Food Bank believes hunger is a nonpartisan issue. Our representatives in D.C. need to hear our united opposition to any legislation that reduces struggling families’ access to food. Congress needs to support policies that end hunger and lift people out of poverty.

CALL TO ACTION:

  1. Call or Tweet at Senator Warren and Senator Markey and thank them for supporting SNAP throughout this process. Encourage them to keep up the pressure!
    • Senator Warren – (202) 224-4543, @SenWarren
    • Senator Markey – (202) 224-2742, @EdMarkey
  2. Call your U.S. Representative and thank her/him for opposing a harmful Farm Bill. Encourage your Representative to continue support the Senate’s version.
    • All Massachusetts Representatives voted NO on H.R. 2.
    • If you do not know who your Congressperson is, you can look it up by zip code HERE. To call your Member of Congress: [(888) 398-8702].
  3. Share on Facebook and Twitter why #SNAPMatters, using #FarmBill and tagging @GR8BosFoodBank.

We are now in the final stages of passing a Farm Bill that protects food insecure families. America has a long-standing bipartisan commitment to ensuring no one in this country goes hungry. Please join us in advocating for a compassionate Farm Bill.

If you have any questions about the 2018 Farm Bill, materials, or advocacy actions, please contact GBFB Senior Manager of Public Affairs, Catherine Drennan, at cdrennan@gbfb.org or 617-598-5067.

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