Save the Children Statement on House Farm Bill Reauthorization Proposal

WASHINGTON (May 13, 2024) - Chairman Glenn Thompson released more details about his farm bill reauthorization in advance of committee markup of the legislation. In response, Christy Gleason, Vice President for Policy, Advocacy and Campaign at Save the Children, said:

“We appreciate Chairman Thompson’s ongoing efforts to fight hunger, but this proposal misses the mark for kids both in the U.S. and around the world. 

“Chairman Thompson’s proposal would seriously compromise Food for Peace, the largest U.S. international food aid program. Establishing a 50% floor for U.S. food purchases and ocean freight would mean an end to programs that help families be self-reliant, leaving more children vulnerable to hunger and fewer communities served.  Giving up on programs that break the cycle of hunger by building resilience is short-sighted and sets the stage for humanitarian crisis in the future.  

“Here at home, the proposal places limits for hungry kids as well. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the first line of defense against child hunger, and it is an economic lifeline for rural communities. The cost-neutral Thrifty Food Plan proposed by Chairman Thompson would result in a $30 billion cut to SNAP over the next 10 years, making it that much harder for thousands of families to access nutritious food. The result would be more families turning to food banks when the charitable food system is already stretched thin.  

“We urge Congress to protect SNAP benefits and U.S. international food aid programs now and going forward.”