Legal Advocacy
MAZON’s Legal Advocacy Department ensures that the Jewish response to hunger includes robust and proactive engagement with the justice system. Our legal work aims to strengthen the systems that fight hunger, ensuring accountability in the implementation of food security programs, and identifying areas for improvement.
To learn more, contact Sarah Pratter, Director of Legal Advocacy, at spratter@mazon.org.
Meeting the Moment
Watch MAZON President & CEO Abby J. Leibman, Director of Legal Advocacy, Sarah Pratter, and Board Member, Randall Lewis in conversation about how MAZON’s new Legal Advocacy department is meeting this moment. Learn how we are uniquely positioned to ensure anti-hunger policies on the books are enforced, so that our movement’s wins reach the people they are designed to help. Watch the full conversation.
Pro Bono Center
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MAZON's Legal Action
MAZON Sues USDA Over Demand for Personal Information of Millions of SNAP Recipients
Following reports that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently ordered state agencies and private contractors to turn over detailed personal information from recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger filed a lawsuit in federal court.
Lawsuit Filed Against Tennessee DHS for SNAP Program Failures
The Tennessee Justice Center, Hogan Lovells, MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger and others, on behalf of twelve named plaintiffs and a class of similarly situated low-income Tennesseans, filed a federal lawsuit against Clarence H. Carter, Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Human Services (DHS), for systemic failures in administering the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
MAZON Celebrates Biden Administration Restoration of Religious Freedom Protections for Vulnerable People
Nine federal agencies today finalized rules to reinstate religious freedom protections for recipients of federally funded social services. In doing so, President Biden has replaced Trump-era regulations that gutted religious freedom safeguards for vulnerable people in need. MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger and a coalition of partners filed a lawsuit in January 2021 against the Trump administration for promulgating the harmful rules, and in February 2021 President Biden signaled his intent to restore these vital religious protections.
MAZON and Others Sue Trump Administration for Stripping Religious Freedom Protections for Vulnerable Americans
MAZON and a coalition of partners filed suit against the Trump Administration for rolling back religious freedom protections that required faith-based organizations providing critical services, including food assistance. The unlawful rule makes it hard for already marginalized populations to access essential social services as the U.S. continues to reel from a historic pandemic and economic collapse.
Want to get involved or have a question?
Contact Sarah Pratter, Director of Legal Advocacy