Advocacy Update from Food Lifeline: FEDERAL SEQUESTRATION, HUNGER RELIEF PROGRAMS AND A TRIP TO WASHINGTON, DC

ADVOCACY UPDATE    FEDERAL SEQUESTRATION, HUNGER RELIEF PROGRAMS AND A TRIP TO WASHINGTON, DC  As you've likely heard, sequestration took effect at the start of this month, triggering $85 billion in mandatory spending cuts to a variety of programs. Washington state will lose an estimated $500 million at a time when we're already struggling to fund programs providing for the basic needs of our most vulnerable neighbors. The programs being cut include: The Women Infants and Children's Program (WIC), which provides assistance for low-income women, infants and children under five to purchase food; Due to sequestration our elderly neighbors' food bills will rise while their assistance programs are cut. Senior nutrition and Meals on Wheels; Low Income Heat and Energy Assistance Program; and  Funds that help us safely store and distribute healthy food via The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP).  These additional cuts will further weaken the ability of these programs to provide real and immediate assistance to those in need. The bad news doesn't end with the sequester. Other spending programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, or federal food stamps), food purchasing for TEFAP, Medicare and Social Security, will not be cut under sequester.However, they could be cut as part of the ongoing budget debate and in bills such as the Farm Bill, which provides funding for anti-hunger and nutrition programs. We'll keep you up to date as decisions about the funding for these programs moves forward. While in Washington, D.C. at the beginning of March, I had the opportunity to speak with our Congressional delegation about the importance of preserving funding for these programs to ensure access to food and help lift our most vulnerable neighbors out of poverty. A special thank you goes to Senator Patty Murray for her leadership on sequestration and for working to protect anti-hunger and nutrition programs. While many others in our congressional delegation were receptive and responsive to protecting these vital social safety net programs, it became even more apparent to me that we must all continue to work together to educate our lawmakers about the tangible benefits of these programs, and advocate for their preservation.  Gina Clark Director of Public Policy  LEGISLATIVE TOWN HALLS Coming up this weekend Have you had a chance to connect with your lawmakers recently? This coming weekend (March 15-17), many legislators are holding town hall meetings in their districts, giving constituents a chance to provide feedback on important issues, like hunger and poverty, for this legislative session. We recommend giving your representatives and senator a phone call or email to see if they plan on holding a meeting. Not sure what district you're in? You can find out here by entering your address and find contact information for your legislators here. For more information about Food Lifeline's legislative priorities, see our legislative agenda. Hunger relief advocates learn about the challenges facing key programs this legislative session. HUNGER ACTION DAY 2013 What happens when 200 anti-hunger advocates descend on Olympia? On Friday, Feb 23rd, hundreds of anti-hunger advocates converged in Olympia to remind their elected officials about the importance of hunger relief programs. Thanks to all of you who attended. Your voices are louder together. Here is a recap of this inspiring day all about working together to end hunger in Western Washington. Take a minute and enjoy this recap of the inspiring day. Maybe you'll even see a photo of yourself or one of your tweets! Food Lifeline feeds hungry people. We stock the shelves and fill the tables of 275 food banks, meal programs and shelters throughout Western Washington. The 35 million pounds of nutritious food we secure from restaurants, grocery stores, farmers and manufacturers feeds 745,000 of our hungry neighbors every year. Find out how you can be a part of ending hunger in Western Washington at www.foodlifeline.org. We value your input. Please share your thoughts and comments at advocacy@fll.org. Food Lifeline thanks MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger, for supporting our advocacy program.