8.8.2017 Anti-hunger advocates from across California showed up and voiced strong support for SNAP during a listening session hosted by U.S. House Agriculture Committee Chairman Michael Conaway (TX-11) and Jeff Denham (CA-10) this past Saturday. David Valadao (CA-21), Doug LaMalfa (CA-1), and Dwight Evans (PA-2) were also in attendance.
The 3-hour session titled, “The Next Farm Bill, Conversations in the Field,” was held at Modesto Junior College. Modesto was one of only a few locations chosen by the House Agriculture Committee as a host site. During the event, house representatives listened as members of the public provided comment on the design of the next farm bill. “We are just going to listen. It is your show. It is your event.” Conaway said at the start of the session.
Thank you to our partners and fellow advocates who showed up to voice support for SNAP and nutrition programs in the farm bill. We had a strong presence and SNAP was a large component of the comments shared. We are grateful to all of the constituents who made it out on Saturday from the Central Valley including members of the San Joaquin Hunger Task Force and the multiple anti-hunger and food banking partners who provided comment.
WE ANTICIPATE WORK ON THE FARM BILL TO START IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS
During the event Conaway expressed an intent to move quickly on drafting the next farm bill. It is anticipated that a bill may be released as early as January. As the administration and Congress look for sources of funding for tax cuts and increased military spending they will likely look to entitlement programs, including food assistance. It is very likely that attacks on food will be wrapped into the next farm bill.
MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD THIS THURSDAY IN SALINAS
The Modesto listening session was one of the first opportunities to influence the next farm bill. This Thursday, August 10th Congressman Jimmy Panetta will also be hosting a listening session in Salinas, California. The event is designed to allow growers, shippers, farmworkers, and anyone with a stake in food and nutrition to address Representative Panetta and Representative Costa who will be joined by Ranking Member Peterson, on concerns they have going into the next farm bill. This is another important opportunity to voice support for SNAP. Seating will be first come, first serve to anyone who would like to attend. The event is being held at Hartnell Community College in Steinbeck Hall located at 411 Central Ave. Salinas CA 93901 from 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM. We encourage you to show up and make your voice heard. As additional opportunities unfold we intend to keep you abreast.
HERE ARE A FEW OF THE COMMENTS SHARED DURING THE MODESTO LISTENING SESSION
Farm bill comments by Melissa Cannon
Farm bill comments by Melissa Cannon
Farm bill comments by Melissa Cannon
Farm bill comments by Melissa Cannon
Farm bill comments by Melissa Cannon
Farm bill comments by Melissa Cannon
Farm Bill Comments by Melissa Cannon
Stay tuned for further calls to action by signing up for CFPA’s Nutrition Action Alerts. link
Questions?
Contact: Melissa Cannon at 510.433.1122 ext 102 or Jared Call at 213.482.8200 ext 201
