Hunger Action Los Angeles

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Hello HALA Nation!

 

 This year, we are filled with gratitude to be in a community---really a whole universe---with people sharing their lives while reaching those in need with nutritious food. Yes, Hunger Action LA provides food and other resources but through our work we and those we serve receive also that vital energy that some call “love” and that many note “makes the world go round”!

Hunger Action LA defends this policy called the “safety net” that has been a shining light in our country for nearly a hundred years, growing and improving to meet people’s needs as we discover more about nutrition, the environment, and what makes a sound economy.

And it’s yet another thing called “justice” that gets us closer to the goal of a world where everyone looks after each other and makes sure we have all that each other needs.

It’s too bad that human governments can be controlled by people who don’t have that same vision. But hope is not lost! We have a community of strongly engaged volunteers, of people who need a hand and can provide a voice, of dedicated staff, all interacting and cultivating that wisdom, community and spirit that bring us together to fight for food justice. And many other faces of justice as well.

Please be a part of the Hunger Action LA universe! Send some resources our way and get involved whether with the food delivery program, the Blind Low vision program, or our ongoing advocacy work, so we can achieve that vision of justice sooner! 

Scan the QR code above to donate using Give Butter or the Nation Builder Action Button below. 

- Frank Tamborello, Executive Director

 

 

Please consider donating to Hunger Action Los Angeles!

 

Another way to get involved is to keep your eye on the Farm Bill!

Farm Bill:  What you Need to know

 

As expected, the bill passed out of the committee - but disappointingly,  four Democrats voted in favor of the bill due to the reelection challenges they are facing. The final vote was 33-21.
You can watch the hearing here and here are the opening statements:
Our California Agriculture Committee Members of Congress, Costa and Carbajal, spoke strongly in support of SNAP and what the $30B in Thrifty Food Plan (TFP) cuts would mean. We made sure to lift up their remarks on social media and hope you can amplify them: 
Many Democrats from other states also passionately advocated for SNAP and voiced their strong opposition to the cuts to the TFP. Notably, Rep. McGovern fact-checked members who were saying the TFP was not a cut but merely rhetoric. Also, Rep. Crockett reminded members that rural America uses more SNAP benefits than urban America 
Rep. Hayes introduced an amendment to strike a provision in the farm bill to prevent the review freeze/cuts of benefits under TFP. Rep. Costa noted that 67,000 households in his district rely on SNAP, that he would support the Hayes amendment, and that the committee will have to figure out how to address this issue if a farm bill is going to pass. The amendment was defeated along party lines.
Many thanks to everyone who reached out to their members asking them to weigh in or to vote no on the bill! If your member of Congress is Costa or Carbajal, please take a moment to reach out and thank them for voting no.
Moving forward, Congress will focus on Appropriations bills. On the Senate side, Ranking Member John Boozman (R-Ark.) is expected to release his farm bill framework in the coming weeks as well. As you know, Senate Agriculture Chair Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) released a summary of a farm bill proposal earlier this month. We’ll keep monitoring and share any opportunities for advocacy as needed.
Below the signature line are some talking points to refer to in case you have any further questions.
Talking points on the markup:
  • We know what these bad proposals mean for California and we want a bill that will deliver for our state. 
  • Approximately 3.6 billion, or 12% of the $30B cuts to SNAP food would be taken from the 5 million Californians who spend SNAP benefits at 23,874 authorized EBT retailers across California.
  • Even after the recent TFP reevaluation, SNAP benefits still only average $6 per person per day — barely more than a cup of coffee, and still fall short of the cost of low-income meals in 98% of California counties.  
  • Proven policy solution would be to strengthen SNAP by protecting against cuts and benefit adequacy through the Closing the Meal Gap Act H.R. 3037 (Adams) / S. 1336 (Gillibrand), without cuts or offsets to SNAP or other Farm Bill programs. 
  • The TFP doesn’t just impact SNAP benefits - it also impacts the TEFAP entitlement food formula, as well as Summer EBT benefits.
  • Additionally, the bill would:
    • Transform SNAP from a food assistance program into a nutrition control program, potentially leading to intrusive "food police" measures.
    • Privatize the program, which would undermine our public service workforce.
    • Negatively affects students entering college who rely on work-study jobs.