Proposed USDA Farm Bill Rule Threatens Food Security and Access to Vital Nutrition Programs

Urgent message from Katherine – The new farm bill, signed into law December 20 by President Trump, will serve the public by investing in a strong food safety net, nutrition education programs that promote healthy people, and a robust food system and strengthened economy, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

However, a proposed rule announced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture hours before the signing could decrease states’ flexibility to waive work requirements for people who receive benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

“The farm bill, as signed into law, reinforces the inherent link between agriculture and nutrition by fostering access to nutrient-dense foods that promote health and providing consumer education that increases nutrition literacy and life management skills,” said registered dietitian nutritionist and Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics President Mary Russell.

“The bipartisan farm bill ensures the integrity of SNAP, while making targeted improvements for seniors and people with disabilities and modernizing systems and technology,” Russell said.

“Migrant Mother” by Dorothea Lang (Wikipedia.org)

USDA’s proposed rule, however, would affect people’s eligibility for SNAP, which the Academy believes is highly effective in preventing food insecurity and alleviating poverty, and is linked with improved health and lower health care costs.

“SNAP helps one in eight Americans put food on the table and keeps more than 8 million people out of poverty. The Academy supports efforts to ensure states have the flexibility needed to improve people’s food security,” Russell said.