ACTION ALERT Economic Stimulus:

There's still time to call Congress and urge them to pass an Economic Stimulus Package that contains the boost the nation's needy -- and our country -- needs. Advocates can urge Congress to ensure the package includes aid to help low-income people pay for food, heat, and other basic needs, and to make sure that essential public services are maintained.

Anti-hunger advocates are pushing for a temporary increase in Food Stamp benefits; Food Stamp administrative support; increased funding for WIC, Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), and The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP); state fiscal relief; Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP); Head Start; Child Support Enforcement; Unemployment Insurance and other programs that support families in need.

For more information on the impact of rising food costs on low-income families see: FRAC's Low-Income Families Disproportionately Affected by Rising Food Costs, According to New USDA Data and "Coming up Short:  High food costs outstrip food stamp benefits," a report just released by The Real Cost of Healty Diet Project examines the availability and affordability of healthy food in September 2008.

Call Members of Congress with that message via the toll-free line to the U.S. Capitol Switchboard (888-245-0215).House leaders could propose a second $50 billion economic recovery package as early as the week of September 15th. According to Democratic Caucus Vice Chairman Representative John Larson (CT), the package "'would be a stimulus in the short and long term.'" For details on the economic stimulative effects of food stamp and other nutrition spending, go to www.realstimulus.org.

Budget Fight FY 2009: Learn more about the budget process and how you can make food programs a priority.

Appropriations FY 2009: Support investments in our Food and Nutrition programs.

Farm Bill 2007: This year marks the reauthorization of the Farm Bill, which includes the Food Stamp Program.

• May 22, 2008 -- BREAKING NEWS
  Today the Senate voted 82 to 13 to override President Bush’s veto of the Farm Bill (H.R. 2419). That bill contains $10.361 billion in new ten-year funding for the nutrition title. The Senate vote follows on the May 21st House veto override vote of 316 to 108. While some procedural questions have been raised, according to Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Tom Harkin (D-IA), the nutrition title of the bill is now law.

• 6/21/07 - FRAC Releases Recommendations for ESEA

Legislative Resources for the 110th Congress:

Learn when Congress is in session: House Schedule | Senate Schedule
Contact Congress: House | Senate
Contact Key Congressional Staff: Staff List for Key House and Senate Food & Nutrition Committees
Plan a succesful visit: Lobby Tips | How to Schedule Appointments
Need state data? Get it from State of the States

Legislative Alert Archives