faith in action

SNAP benefits are on the line

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, helps to feed millions of low-income families. Congress is currently negotiating between two versions of the bill. The version passed by the House would reduce or eliminate food assistance for 2 million people. Please call your members of Congress now and ask them to support the bipartisan 2Senate version of the bill, which protects SNAP. 202.224.3121.


Your representatives are home and they need to hear from you.

This week, the House and Senate are in recess. While that means it is quieter in Washington, D.C., it also means your representatives are likely home in your district and they need to hear from you.

In June, both the House and Senate passed versions of the Farm Bill, which, among other provisions, sets guidelines for access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. SNAP — also still referred to as food stamps — is the most effective anti-hunger program in the U.S., helping 1 in 8 people afford basic nutrition at an average cost of $1.40 per person per meal.

As a church, “we support policies that increase access to quality food, particularly for those with the fewest resources.” (Social Principles, ¶160.H) While our churches and ministries will continue to provide food for our neighbors in need, we also understand the critical role of programs — such as SNAP — in addressing persistent hunger.

The House version of the Farm Bill was first defeated in May before passing by just two votes in June. The legislation broke with the decadeslong tradition of bipartisan cooperation in shaping agriculture and nutrition policy. For anti-hunger advocates, the nutrition title of the House bill was particularly alarming. Changes in eligibility requirements would reduce or eliminate food support for 1 million families — an estimated 2 million recipients.

In contrast, the Senate bill, supported by a vote of 86-11, protects SNAP. During floor consideration, the Senate rejected amendments that would have increased food hardship and sent a clear signal that an overwhelming majority of Senators support strengthening SNAP.

Currently, members of the House and Senate are meeting to come to agreement on a final bill and it is important that hear from you. We strongly support the Senate-version of the bill as the best path forward to support the millions of families that rely on SNAP to help put food on their tables each day.

Call your representative today — 202.224.3121 — and let them know that as a United Methodist, you support policies that improve access to nutrition. Tell them to reject the punitive House provisions and support the bipartisan Senate version of the Farm Bill.