Feeding America Strongly Opposes Cuts to Anti-Hunger Programs

Statement Attributable to Vicki Escarra, President and CEO of Feeding America

CHICAGO, April 18, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- "Feeding America is outraged by the House Agriculture Committee's vote today to drastically cut spending on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by over $33 billion.  Cutting SNAP, particularly at a time when millions of Americans are struggling and the need for food assistance has never been greater, is simply wrong.

"Coming at a time of record need and at a time when many state and local safety net programs have been scaled back and the charitable system is stretched to the breaking point, these cuts would be devastating for low-income families and communities across the country.

"In the wake of the recession, SNAP responded as it was designed, providing benefits that are timely, targeted, and temporary. As the number of unemployed people increased by 94 percent from 2007 to 2011, SNAP responded with a 70 percent increase in participation over the same period. By making the decision to reconcile the budget with deep cuts to SNAP, the Committee would erode one of the nation's most critical, remaining safety nets.

"It is particularly troubling that the Committee chose to depart from Washington's long history of bipartisan commitment to protecting low-income safety net programs during deficit reduction efforts and instead met its savings target solely through cuts to SNAP, placing the weight of deficit reduction on the shoulders of those who are least able to bear the burden of cuts.

"We urge the House Agriculture Committee to reverse course by protecting and strengthening SNAP and other nutrition programs when it drafts a Farm Bill later this year."

About Feeding America

Feeding America provides low-income individuals and families with the fuel to survive and even thrive. As the nation's leading domestic hunger-relief charity, our network members supply food to more than 37 million Americans each year, including 14 million children and 3 million seniors. Serving the entire United States, more than 200 member food banks support 61,000 agencies that address hunger in all of its forms. For more information on how you can fight hunger in your community and across the country, visit http://www.feedingamerica.org/. Find us on Facebook at facebook.com/FeedingAmerica or follow our news on Twitter at twitter.com/FeedingAmerica.

Media Contact:
Paula Thornton-Greear
312-641-5663

SOURCE Feeding America