Hartford, Conn. (January 28, 2014) – End Hunger Connecticut!, a statewide anti-hunger and food security organization, issued the following statement in response to the Farm Bill compromise reached last evening. The House is set to vote on the issue tomorrow, Wednesday, January 29th.
From Lucy Nolan, Executive Director, End Hunger Connecticut!:
“The Farm Bill compromise only compromises the health and well-being of the 65,000+ families in Connecticut who rely on SNAP benefits. These households will have $90 less per month to shop for groceries and many will have to choose between heat and eating. While widely reported that the SNAP cuts target only fraud and abuse and will not effect benefits they indeed significantly harm our neighbors, friends and families. The small givebacks in the Farm Bill, from increased funding for emergency food and double bucks coupons for Farmer's Markets, will in no way increase the buying power and self-reliance so many people get from the SNAP program. I urge our entire delegation to vote against the Farm Bill. Balancing the budget on the backs of low-income people is unconscionable and wrong.”
The proposed SNAP cuts total $8.6billion over 10 years. Of note, SNAP recipients already faced a cut in benefits in November 2013.
Earlier today the Food Research Action Center (FRAC) issued a statement in response to the Farm Bill moving from conference committee to the floor of the House and Senate. A copy of the full statement can be viewed here.