CHICAGO, Dec. 16, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following statement is attributable to Diana Aviv, CEO of Feeding America:
"Earlier today, Congressional leaders released a broad bipartisan spending and tax agreement that determines federal spending levels for the remainder of Federal Fiscal Year 2016 and also renews and makes permanent key tax provisions.
"Feeding America strongly supports both the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2016 and the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act of 2015 and urges Congress to swiftly pass both bills.
"The agreement is a positive step forward and includes several critical provisions that will help Feeding America's 198 food banks and the more than 46 million Americans struggling with hunger that we serve each year.
"Specifically the tax provisions strengthen the food donation tax deduction by expanding it to farmers and growers and making it permanent for all business taxpayers, eliminating uncertainty and making it easier for businesses of all sizes to donate surplus food rather than landfill it; make permanent the IRA rollover provision which incentivizes donors aged 70 ½ and older to donate funds from their Individual Retirement Accounts to nonprofits; and make enhancements to the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit and American Opportunity Tax Credit permanent. These provisions will strengthen charities' ability to meet the need in their communities and help lift working low-income families out of poverty.
"We are also pleased that the spending provisions provide for full funding levels for federal nutrition programs for FY 2016 and make additional targeted investments in food assistance programs for low-income and vulnerable seniors, the Summer Food Service EBT pilot program and the Emergency Food Assistance Program.
"As millions of Americans continue to struggle in the wake of the recession, the investments in this agreement are critically important."
About Feeding America
Feeding America is the nationwide network of 200 food banks that leads the fight against hunger in the United States. Together, we provide food to more than 46 million people through 60,000 food pantries and meal programs 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 www.feedingamerica.org, find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
CONTACT: Ross Fraser, 1-312-2632303 x6422, [email protected]
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SOURCE Feeding America
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