Congressman Serrano Re-Introduces Anti-Hunger Empowerment Act

Press Release

Congressman José E. Serrano reintroduced yesterday the Anti-Hunger Empowerment Act of 2019. The bill seeks to change administrative cost provisions within the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to increase its financial capacity to assist underserved communities facing hunger insecurity. The bill is cosponsored by Rep. Hastings, Rep. Velazquez, Rep. Lee, Rep. Watson Coleman, Rep. Thompson, Rep. Omar, Rep. McGovern, Rep. Rush, Rep. Nadler, Rep. Blumenauer and Rep. Espaillat.

"There is no reason why any child or adult should go hungry in this country, where resources are plentiful and tons of food go to waste every year. The Anti-Hunger Empowerment Act seeks to promote the use of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) resources. It would also allow food pantries, soup kitchens, and other charitable feeding programs to expand their services and to provide more meals in communities where many residents face financial and food insecurity- including in The Bronx. Every household should have access to basic necessities, including nutritious food, regardless of their economic background. These changes will help achieve that goal," said Congressman Serrano.

The legislation would:

Establish the Beyond the Soup Kitchen Grant Program to provide funds to community-based and faith-based charitable feeding organizations to expand their grassroots anti-hunger activities. These activities include providing nutrition education and helping individuals enroll in federal food assistance programs.
Expand the number of hours supplemental nutrition assistance offices are open and reduce wait times at SNAP offices.
Remove burdensome and duplicative requirements that deter eligible Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients from applying.

Source