To: The United States House of Representatives and The United States Senate
Reform The Farm Bill of 2013
As the 2013 Farm Bill (which will be voted on this September) stands now, Congress is proposing more than $20 billion in cuts to the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) over the next 10 years. The spending reductions they are seeking to make through these cuts could be done more effectively by eliminating subsidies to successful farming conglomerates, as well as reforming wasteful crop insurance policies. Additionally, at a time when obesity and malnutrition are increasing at epidemic rates in America, Congress must act to not only maintain or increase funding for SNAP, but also support legislation to assist small farmers who are bringing healthy foodstuffs to American consumers at all economic levels.
Why is this important?
As a former SNAP (food stamps) recipient, along with a current activist against food insecurity, we are calling on Congress to make significant reforms to the 2013 Farm Bill by eliminating agricultural subsidies to successful agricultural corporations and by making crop insurance policies subject to means testing and payment limits. At the same time, we strongly urge Congress to pass the National Sustainable Agricultural Coalition’s amendment to the Farm Bill as well as the Local Farms, Food, and Jobs Act of 2013. The amendment and bill would increase support for farmers who are growing organic and sustainably produced fruit, vegetables, meats, and other healthy foods for local and regional markets. It would also increase access to these healthy foods in underserved communities.