Food Lifeline Advocacy Update

ADVOCACY UPDATE It has been a busy month with the Washington state legislative session finally wrapping up, and defending the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, or food stamps) from repeated attacks in the Farm Bill. We will continue to work hard on these issues because of the impact they have on our partner agencies food banks, meal programs, and shelters, and hungry people across Western Washington. Thank you for taking the time to read our quick update on how things have progressed, and where we are headed moving forward. Sincerely, Gina Clark Director of Public Policy STATE SESSION WRAPS UP - FINALLY! The record-breaking state legislative session finally saw the passage of an operational budget this past weekend, preventing the layoff of thousands of state employees and the shutdown of crucial hunger relief programs like the Emergency Food Assistance Program (EFAP). Through a combination of improved budget projections, and modest revenue increases, a $33.6 billion budget for the next two years was passed. So how did hunger relief programs fare? Emergency Food Assistance maintained current funding at $10.6 million for the next two years, the same level it has been since before the recession began in 2008. Farm to School and Small Farms Marketingreceived $250,000, enough to keep the programs operating for the next two years and supporting healthy food for low income students and communities throughout the state. State Food Assistance increased by $9.4 million for the biennium, providing a critical increase in the monthly state food stamp assistance for legal residents who don't qualify for federal benefits like SNAP. While we hoped at the start of session to secure an increase in EFAP funding to strengthen support for food banks, we are pleased that the 30,000 individuals who rely on State Food Assistance will have additional support buying groceries each month, and that children who rely on free or reduced school meals will continue to have access to fresh, healthy, Washington grown food at school.   FARM BILL FAILS IN THE HOUSE - WHAT NEXT? In a surprise move on June 20, the US House failed to approve the Farm Bill, with a majority of lawmakers opposing $20.5 billion in cuts to SNAP and other amendments that would have made it significantly more difficult for individuals to access this vital food assistance program. The measure failed in large part because of your actions to let lawmakers know the real and significant impacts deep cuts would have. Thank you for standing up for the nearly 1 million struggling Washingtonians who use this program to put food on their tables.    We would like to extend a huge thank you to the following Representatives from Washington state who voted to protect SNAP funding:         District 1, Rep Susan DelBene      District 6, Rep Derek Kilmer      District 7, Rep Jim McDermott      District 9, Rep Adam Smith      District 10, Rep Denny Heck Although this is good news, the fight to protect SNAP from deep cuts in the Farm Bill is not over. We don't know what will happen next, as the House will have to start over with a bill that can get enough votes to pass by September 30. If they can't come to an agreement, Congress will have to pass a continuing resolution which would maintain programs and funding at current levels until a new Farm Bill can be passed. We will be sure to keep you updated and encourage you to reach out to your congressional representatives and urge them to continue opposing deep cuts to SNAP. Food Lifeline feeds hungry people. We stock the shelves and fill the tables of 275 food banks, meal programs and shelters throughout Western Washington.  Food Lifeline thanks MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger, for supporting our advocacy program.