House Subcommittee Examines the Future of SNAP

On March 28, the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Nutrition held a hearing, “The Next Farm Bill: The Future of SNAP.” The hearing focused on achievements of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), as well as improvements that could be made to the next Farm Bill. The current legislation (P.L. 113-79) is due to expire in 2018.

The hearing noted that 43 million low-income individuals and families rely on SNAP and that improving food insecurity among low-income households is especially important for young children.  

The following witnesses testified:

• Stacy Dean, vice president, Food Assistance Policy, Center on Budget and Policy Priorities;
• Russell Sykes, director, Center for Employment and Economic Well-Being, American Public Human Services Association;
• Joe Arthur, executive director, Central Pennsylvania Food Bank;
• Josh Protas, vice president of public policy, MAZON – A Jewish Response to Hunger; and
• Jennifer Hatcher, senior vice president, Government and Public Affairs, Food Marketing Institute.

The subcommittee held a similar hearing on March 21 (see The Source, 3/24/17).