With a name like the "Farm Bill", it would be easy to assume that this piece of legislation pertains only to folks in agricultural industries. While it’s true that the first Farm Bill, the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1933, focused on commodity price support and relief for farmers, subsequent Farm Bills have become far more expansive. Today, the Farm Bill encompasses critical hunger-relief programs such as The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as food stamps), and the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP, also called Everyday Eats in Colorado). Those programs, which help nourish millions of people every year and provide crucial support for food banks, require adequate funding to be as effective as possible.
Typically, the Farm Bill is renewed every five years. It is the largest piece of federal legislation for nutrition programs and, as grocery prices rise and cost of living increases, the bill plays a major role in ensuring people can access the nutritious food they need to thrive. Last passed in 2018, the Farm Bill still awaits renewal as Congressional leaders work through various priorities. Now is a crucial time to advocate for the nutrition programs that impact millions of lives across the country.
Feeding Colorado, the state association of Feeding America food banks of which Food Bank of the Rockies is a part, is actively monitoring Farm Bill progress. We are advocating for a strong bill to be passed as quickly as possible. Click here to visit Feeding America's website. There, you can find advocacy resources and more information about our federal priorities. Every voice counts; please consider becoming a Farm Bill advocate today.
