Feeding America Strongly Opposes Proposed Cuts To Hunger-Relief Programs

CHICAGO, April 1, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Statement Attributable to Bob Aiken, CEO of Feeding America:

"Earlier today, the House Budget Committee released its Fiscal Year 2015 budget proposal, which makes severe cuts to hunger-relief programs. The House and Senate came together in a bipartisan fashion to pass a two-year budget agreement in January 2014, so it is disappointing to see the Committee offer a partisan proposal instead of building upon that agreement and working together to make progress against hunger. 

"Federal poverty reduction policy should promote opportunity and economic mobility. Feeding America strongly believes that we can provide a stong safety net that protects individuals from hunger while at the same time supporting policies that promote individual self-sufficiency.

"The House Budget Committee is resurrecting proposals that have already been considered and rejected by Congress. The proposed changes would convert the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program into a "block grant" program and restrict or eliminate states' flexibility to adjust the program to match local economic conditions as well as coordinate SNAP with other low-income programs like TANF and LIHEAP. The result would be lost food assistance for millions of low-income individuals across the country.

"With nearly 50 million people in our country at risk of hunger, Feeding America urges Congress to begin a real dialog to identify bipartisan solutions to end hunger and create opportunity for low-income families."

About Feeding America
Feeding America is a nationwide network of more than 200 food banks that leads the fight against hunger in the United States. Together, we provide food to more than 37 million people through 61,000 food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters in communities across America. Feeding America also supports programs that improve food security among the people we serve; educates the public about the problem of hunger; and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry. Individuals, charities, businesses and government all have a role in ending hunger. Donate. Volunteer. Advocate. Educate.  Together we can solve hunger. Visit http://www.feedingamerica.org/. Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FeedingAmerica or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/FeedingAmerica.

Contact: 
Ross Fraser
Feeding America
312.641.6422

SOURCE Feeding America