One of the most important tools in our toolbox as advocates is speaking truth directly (or virtually) to our elected leaders and those in power.
Legislative Action Toolkit
Join MAZON’s fight to end hunger as we underscore the unique value of federal nutrition programs, which provide direct support to people facing food insecurity. Programs like SNAP provide assistance without judgment, showing recipients both dignity and respect, and providing life-saving benefits that keep Americans healthy, safe, and well-nourished. Please contact Sammi Goldsmith, Deputy Director of Public Policy, with any questions about how to utilize this toolkit.
For many of us, our sacred texts compel us to live out our moral values in the world around us, working actively to end suffering and help our neighbors meet their basic needs. The Talmud tells us, “When the community is immersed in suffering, a person may not say: I will go to my home and eat and drink and peace be upon you, my soul” (Taanit 11a). Rather, we’re told “If you see your fellow’s ox or sheep gone astray, do not ignore it; you must take it back to your fellow.” (Deuteronomy 22). We understand this to mean that we must not look the other way when we see something afflicting our neighbors — we must act.
Join our Rapid Response Team
Defending the safety net is going to take persistence and vigilance. Whether it’s a dangerous bill moving through Congress or a key decision at the USDA, we’ll let you know when it’s time to speak up. It’s low-lift but high-impact, and you can expect 2-3 extra emails from us a month with concrete actions you can take to ensure our most vulnerable neighbors can keep food on their tables.
Organize a Federal or State Lobby Meeting
One of the most impactful actions you can take is meeting directly with your lawmaker or their staff. These meetings allow for in-depth discussion and relationship-building, making it more likely that your concerns will be taken seriously. We can provide talking points and guidance to help you prepare.
Interested? Let us know, and we’ll support you in setting up a meeting. Reach out to Lauren Banister (lbanister@mazon.org).
Send an Email
A personalized email is far more effective than a generic form letter. Including your own story or connection to the issue makes it more likely that a staffer will take note and pass your message along. If possible, reach out directly to a real person in the office instead of a general inbox.
Click here to send a message to your lawmakers general inbox through MAZON’s website.
Want contact information for a key staffer? Reach out to Lauren Banister (lbanister@mazon.org).
Make a Call
Offices track constituent calls, and hearing directly from voters — especially in large numbers — can influence decision-making. A flood of calls signals that an issue is urgent.
Get the call script here.
Post on Social
Public pressure plays a crucial role in advocacy. Posting about an issue on social media helps educate your network and show lawmakers that their constituents are paying attention. When you tag lawmakers, you also increase the chance of your message reaching their office.
We have sample posts and graphics to make this quick and easy. No matter how much time you have, there’s an action you can take to make an impact.
Download Protest Signs
Use your First Amendment right to protest and speak truth to power using one of MAZON’s signs.
You can download our signs in multiple sizes to fight back against cuts to basic needs assistance.
Take Action
The Trump administration allowed Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to lapse for the first time in program history on November 1st, leaving 42 million food insecure Americans without money for groceries. And now, the President himself has said he will defy court orders so he can continue weaponizing hunger.
The Republican majority in Congress has forced our government to shut down by refusing to put safeguards in place to prevent presidential overreach like the unilateral cancellation of food aid, failing to protect healthcare for millions of Americans who are being forced to choose between their prescriptions and putting food on the table, and abdicating their constitutional duty to fund the federal government.
Despite rising food prices and financial uncertainty plaguing low-income American families, President Trump and Republicans in both chambers of Congress enacted a deeply problematic law, including an estimated $187 billion cut from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Join MAZON in urging your Members of Congress to safeguard the interests of American families by reversing this destructive policy, influencing its implementation, and rejecting further cuts to SNAP and other basic needs programs.
Send a Postcard to Protect Basic Needs
We’re launching a national postcard campaign to flood the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) with messages demanding protection for basic needs programs that help our neighbors put food on the table.
Each postcard will represent 1,000 people experiencing hunger. Our goal: 47,000 postcards delivered to Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins with a simple message: No one deserves to go hungry. No exceptions.
Learn More
Historic SNAP Cuts: What Was in the Republican Budget Bill?
On July 4th, the Republican budget bill was signed into law, marking historic cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The bill slashes $187 billion from SNAP over the next decade, roughly 20% of the program, and will reduce or eliminate benefits for an estimated 4 million people.
These represent the most significant changes to SNAP in the program's history, fundamentally altering how food assistance works in America.
Read more.
USDA Reorganization Draws Concern from Anti-Hunger Advocates
On July 24, 2025, without any prior notification to Congress or stakeholders, the USDA announced that it would be undergoing a reorganization process in an effort to return to their so-called “core mission” of serving American farmers, ranchers, and foresters. But counter to these claims, this “reorganization” could significantly delay the delivery of essential services and drain the department of expert knowledge. Read more.
Expanding the Fight for Food Justice: MAZON Invests $3.9+ Million in Anti-Hunger Advocacy Grants
The networks of MAZON grantee partners are central to the fight against hunger, working tirelessly in communities across the United States, Indian Country, and Israel.
MAZON is investing over $3.9 million to 60 organizations, fueling these incredible local champions who are making real change happen every single day. Read more.
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