Tell your senators: Increase critical food assistance to help families have enough to eat

In the last few weeks, the Feeding America network of food banks has seen an overwhelming increase in the number of people coming to us seeking food, many for the first time. We are working around the clock to help families get the food they need – but our network needs help to meet the increased need. Tell your senators: Boost SNAP benefits to help connect more families to food.

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Increase SNAP benefits in next stimulus bill

Dear [Decision Maker],

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I am asking you to support additional food assistance for individuals and families facing hunger in the next COVID-19 relief package. As a supporter of Feeding America -- the largest hunger-relief organization in the country -- I am grateful to Congress for supporting federal nutrition programs in the Families First Coronavirus Response Act and Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, but more is necessary to meet the staggering need. The most important thing Congress can do to improve food security is to increase benefits in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for the duration of the pandemic and economic crisis.

According to the latest COVID-19 impact on food insecurity report from Feeding America, an additional 17.1 million people could experience food insecurity in the coming weeks and months. Increasing SNAP benefits during the pandemic and through the expected prolonged economic downturn is vital in this time of great need -- especially given that over 36 million people have filed for unemployment since the start of the pandemic.

As demand continues to rise, food banks alone cannot close the meal gap for millions of families who are facing increased economic hardship. SNAP is our nation's first line of defense against hunger, providing access to nutrition for millions of families, including many of our heroes currently on the frontlines keeping communities safe and healthy. It is also a great way to boost local economies. Studies show that for every dollar spent on SNAP, $1.70 is returned to the economy.

I hope you will support the following recommendations:

- Increase the maximum SNAP benefit by at least 15 percent for the duration of the economic downturn,

- Increase the SNAP minimum monthly benefit from $16 to $30, and

- Provide an additional $500 million in TEFAP storage and distribution funding and $500 million in TEFAP food funding for anticipated longer-term food needs.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP]