FoodCorps’ Statement on Chairman Boozman’s Farm Bill Draft

This week, Senate Agriculture Committee Chair John Boozman released a Farm Bill discussion draft that leaves in place a harmful shift of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) costs to states.

“At FoodCorps, we are deeply concerned about policies that will weaken access to nutrition assistance for children and families,” said Mickeala Carter, Vice President of Policy and Communications at FoodCorps. “SNAP is one of our nation’s most effective tools for reducing hunger and improving food security, helping millions of families afford the food they need to keep children healthy, nourished, and ready to learn.”

The proposal comes at a time when states are already preparing to implement substantial changes to SNAP administration and eligibility. Requiring states to absorb new benefit costs could place additional strain on state budgets, creating difficult choices that may ultimately impact families’ access to food assistance.

For children, the consequences are clear. Food security and educational success are deeply connected. When children have consistent access to nutritious food, they are better able to focus in the classroom, support their physical and mental health, and fully engage in learning. When families lose access to nutrition assistance or face new barriers to participation, children feel the impact at home and at school.

SNAP also plays an important role in supporting access to school meals. Through direct certification, SNAP participation helps identify students who qualify for free meals without requiring families to complete additional paperwork. This reduces administrative burden for families and schools while helping ensure students receive the nutrition they need to succeed.

Policies that make it harder for families to access SNAP can create ripple effects throughout the child nutrition system. They can increase hunger, make it harder for schools to reach eligible students, and put children’s health and learning at risk.

FoodCorps urges Congress to reject policies that shift SNAP benefit costs to states and instead pursue solutions that strengthen nutrition assistance, reduce childhood hunger, and support children’s health and learning. The Farm Bill is one of our nation’s most important opportunities to strengthen the systems that connect children and families to nourishing food. Lawmakers must use this opportunity to protect SNAP, support school meals, and ensure every child has the nourishment they need to learn, grow, and thrive.

About FoodCorps
FoodCorps is a national nonprofit advancing child well-being through food in school. We partner with students, families, and communities to champion nourishing food at local, state, and national levels. Our leaders support schools in providing nutritious meals, locally-informed food education, and welcoming school environments that set kids up for positive, vibrant relationships with food. Building on this program, we develop leaders, grow networks, and advocate for policies in service of every kid’s health and well-being. FoodCorps is working toward a future where all 50 million public school students have access to food education and nourishing meals in school. Learn more at www.foodcorps.org.

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