DeLauro to GOP Majority: Do Not Cut Back On Food for Hungry Americans

Statement

Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) today called on the House Majority not to turn their back on hungry Americans who rely on critical federal nutrition programs. Yesterday's annual U.S. Department of Agriculture report on food security highlighted that food insecurity is still a problem for millions of Americans. Unfortunately the Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee is intentionally misinterpreting the data to try and justify cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, commonly known as food stamps) supported by Republicans.

"The report highlights that hunger stubbornly remains a problem for millions of people across our country, including 15.3 million children. The fact that 1 in 5 children under six suffers from food insecurity--starting and ending their day without enough food--is abhorrent. Our social safety net, including nutrition assistance, is a key element of our country's response to poverty. And these programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and WIC have been extremely successful in alleviating hunger, moving people out of poverty, as well as contributing to our economy.

"The fact is that current benefits are insufficient for many families to purchase enough healthful foods. We need to stop attacking assistance for basic needs, such as food. Now is not the time to cut funding for these vital resources. Instead we should be focused on the root causes of poverty including reducing unemployment and creating jobs that pay livable wages."

DeLauro is a senior member of the subcommittee responsible for funding the USDA and a longtime champion for our nation's nutrition assistance programs.

Source