Cárdenas, Carbajal Introduce Bill to Expand Access to Emergency Meals

Press Release

Yesterday, Representatives Tony Cárdenas (CA-29) and Salud Carbajal (CA-24) introduced the Expanding Access to Emergency Meals Act. This bill ensures that all low-income families have access to emergency meals funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) public assistance during future emergencies and disasters.

"The pandemic has thrown our economy into a tailspin," said Congressman Cárdenas. "Millions of Americans are out of work, can't afford rent, and unable to put food on the table. As the wealthiest nation in the world, it is wrong that there are American families struggling to make ends meet. This national emergency has been hardest on our most vulnerable and we must do everything in our power to ensure that no child goes to bed hungry."

"The pandemic has forced millions of Americans into economic uncertainty, unsure whether they'll be able to keep the roof over their heads or put food on the table for their children. COVID-19 has drained resources and sapped job opportunities, leaving families who were already food insecure more vulnerable than ever," said Rep. Carbajal. "It's unconscionable that hungry Americans are being turned away from emergency meal programs during the coronavirus crisis solely for utilizing SNAP benefits. Proud to partner with Congressman Cárdenas to introduce this bill and combat food insecurity during emergencies."

The Expanding Access to Emergency Meals Act amends the Stafford Act to explicitly allow individuals participating in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and other USDA nutrition programs to also participate in programs funded by FEMA public assistance funds. Currently, the Stafford Act prohibits states from using FEMA public assistance funds to serve those already participating in a federal program that has a similar purpose. For families experiencing food insecurity, this means if they participate in SNAP, they are ineligible from simultaneously participating in an emergency meals program funded by FEMA.

"We're in an unprecedented situation -- a global pandemic, skyrocketing income inequality, and rapidly increasing hunger with families living in multiple disasters at once. Now is not the time to nickel and dime getting people food," said Christopher Sanchez of Western Center on Law and Poverty. "People need to eat. Period. To deny the hungriest people food during an emergency is inhumane, and it's time we fix this archaic wrong. We fully support efforts to restore dignity for our society and for people who are hungry when we are living through crisis."

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