Farm Bill Priorities

Congress must approach the Farm Bill reauthorization process by reflecting on our shared values, exploring effective policy solutions, and acting with compassion and humanity towards those in need of assistance. Congress must protect and strengthen SNAP and other essential federal nutrition assistance programs, remove barriers to access for struggling individuals and families, and increase access to affordable, nutritious foods for vulnerable populations.

Learn more about MAZON’s policy priorities for the Farm Bill

For centuries, diverse Native food systems nourished tribes and Native communities, but unfortunately today nearly 25% of Indigenous communities are food insecure and the federal government bars tribes from administering critical nutrition programs like SNAP and school meals. Tribes and Indigenous communities want to address food insecurity on their own terms, and they need the resources and autonomy for a self-determined, food-secure future.

Learn more about MAZON’s Farm Bill priorities for Indian Country

Food insecurity among military families is a matter of national security — it has negative impacts on readiness, retention, and recruitment. Much of this pervasive problem stems from the fact that many military families are shut out of accessing SNAP and other food assistance programs, which forces them to quietly turn for help to food pantries that operate on or near every single military base in the U.S.

Learn more about MAZON’s Farm Bill priorities for military families.

The people of Puerto Rico are American citizens who contribute to the economic, cultural, and social fabric of our country. Yet, over 43% of Puerto Ricans struggle with poverty and can only access the Nutrition Assistance Program (NAP) rather than SNAP. Since NAP is a block grant, it has much less flexibility than SNAP, which leaves Puerto Ricans uniquely vulnerable to food security during natural disasters.

Learn more about MAZON’s Farm Bill priorities for the people of Puerto Rico.

Many veterans face food insecurity without help from the country they served — in part due to stigma, shame, and lack of information about federal nutrition programs. Efforts to reframe SNAP as a work program would have a harmful impact on America’s veterans, who often face unique challenges in securing and maintaining full-time work. Imposing harsher SNAP time limits will not improve employment outcomes — it will increase hunger and hardship for struggling veterans.

Learn more about MAZON’s Farm Bill priorities for veterans.