Media Contact:
Jordan Baker
jbaker@frac.org
202-640-1118
Statement attributable to Luis Guardia, President, Food Research & Action Center (FRAC)
WASHINGTON, August 1, 2022 – The Food Research & Action Center (FRAC) strongly supports the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s policy that prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in accessing vital federal nutrition programs.
LGBTQ individuals and families experience higher rates of poverty and hunger, with particularly high rates for some community members, including transgender people and LGBTQ people of color. Federal nutrition programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, and school meals, are critical in supporting the nutrition, health, and economic well-being of children, individuals, and families — and no one should be excluded. That is why FRAC hosted a webinar and published a blog highlighting the value of the new policy, and in partnership with the National Center for Lesbian Rights, created several resources to support LGBTQ individuals’ and families’ access to these programs.
This policy is a critical step forward in ensuring that all LGBTQ people have access to the nutrition they need, and for creating a more equitable society.
Eliminating discriminatory practices and barriers to federal nutrition programs will provide all people regardless of race, gender identity, or sexual orientation with access to the nutrition they need to thrive. FRAC will continue to champion equitable access to federal nutrition programs.
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About Food Research & Action CenterThe Food Research & Action Center improves the nutrition, health, and well-being of people struggling against poverty-related hunger in the United States through advocacy, partnerships, and by advancing bold and equitable policy solutions. To learn more, visit FRAC.org and follow us on Twitter and on Facebook.
