Oregon Faith Roundtable Against Hunger: Why the Farm Bill Matters

WHAT IS THE U.S. FARM BILL? THE PRIMARY AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD POLICY TOOL OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AUTHORIZES IMPORTANT NUTRITION PROGRAMS ENCOURAGES ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION PROGRAMS SUPPORTS THE DEVELOPMENT OF RENEWABLE ENERGY, SPECIFICALLY FARM-BASED BIOENERGY A SAFETY NET FOR FARMERS AND RANCHERS

WHY DOES OFRAH CARE? THE PRIMARY AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD POLICY TOOL OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT A SAFETY NET FOR FARMERS AND RANCHERS AUTHORIZES IMPORTANT NUTRITION PROGRAMS ENCOURAGES ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION PROGRAMS SUPPORTS THE DEVELOPMENT OF RENEWABLE ENERGY, SPECIFICALLY FARM-BASED BIOENERGY

THE PRIMARY AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD POLICY TOOL OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT What would you say the primary goals of agricultural policies should be? PROVIDING FOOD FOR ALL PEOPLE REDUCING POVERTY AMONG FARMERS AND FARM WORKERS IN THIS COUNTRY AND ABROAD

THE PRIMARY AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD POLICY TOOL OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT What would you say the primary goals of agricultural policies should be? Adequate nutrition is a fundamental human right. Support just and adequate funding levels for agriculture policies that serve the hungry, poor and vulnerable OFRAH’s Mission: People of faith educating and advocating to end hunger in Oregon

Agriculture Policies That Serve The Hungry, Poor And Vulnerable Title IV (Part 4) covers domestic food and nutrition and commodity distribution programs For Americans below the Poverty Line: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)/Food Stamps The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) For Seniors: Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) Seniors Famers’ Markets For Children and Low Income Families: USDA Snack Program Community Food Project Grants

Below the Poverty Line: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)/Food Stamps The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), along with other food and nutrition programs, is authorized and funded through this bill. SNAP ensures that low-income families receive the support they need to put food on the table. Proposed $2 Billion

Below the Poverty Line: The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) Federal program that supplements the diets of low-income Americans by providing them with emergency food and nutrition assistance at no cost. USDA makes commodity foods available to State Distributing Agencies  local agencies (food banks)  local organizations (soup kitchens and food pantries)  the public: hungry, poor and vulnerable

Below the Poverty Line: The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) Potential $12 million Community-based organizations would be forced turn away hungry and food insecure people when demand for food assistance remains high.

For Seniors: Commodity Supplemental Food Program (nutritious commodities for the nutritional needs of low-income elderly persons)  Potential 22% = loss of food >100,000 low income seniors Seniors Famers’ Market Nutrition Program (fresh, nutritious, unprepared, locally grown fruits/vegetables from Farmers' Markets, Roadside Stands and Community Supported Agriculture programs to low-income seniors

For Children and Low-Income Families: Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program: Increase the variety of fruits and vegetables children consume For elementary schools that serve a high number (≥50% below the Federal Poverty Level) of low-income children (who qualify for free or reduced-price school meals)

WHY DOES OFRAH CARE? The Farm Bill is important because SNAP, TEFAP and food and nutrition programs for seniors and children are authorized and funded through this bill.

WHY DOES OFRAH CARE? Stronger nutrition and food programs are necessary to end hunger in Oregon!

Oregon Faith Roundtable Against Hunger: People of faith educating and advocating to end hunger in Oregon