1. United States
2. Mo.
3. Letter

I am writing to express serious concern regarding the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s ongoing relocation and reorganization of employees responsible for administering critical food assistance programs. Recent reporting indicates that the USDA is relocating hundreds of employees within the Food and Nutrition Service now being restructured into a new Food and Nutrition Administration to regional hubs across the country including Indiana Texas Missouri and North Carolina. These employees oversee essential programs such as SNAP WIC and school nutrition programs which collectively serve millions of Americans each year. While the Department claims these changes will improve efficiency and customer service employees and their union warn of the opposite outcome. Many workers are being forced to choose between relocating their families or leaving federal service altogether raising the likelihood of significant staff losses. We have already seen the consequences of similar USDA relocations in the past. When agencies were moved during earlier reorganizations more than half of the workforce declined to relocate leading to steep declines in productivity and years of recovery. If history repeats itself this restructuring could severely disrupt the administration of programs that millions of Americans depend on for basic nutrition. Reports warn that these programs simply will not function if experienced staff leave in large numbers. This is not just an internal workforce issue it is a direct threat to food security for vulnerable populations including children seniors and low income families. I urge you to Investigate the legality and implementation of these relocations
Ensure congressional oversight before further workforce disruptions occur
Protect the integrity and continuity of SNAP WIC and other nutrition programs
Advocate for policies that retain experienced federal employees rather than forcing mass attrition. At a time when many Americans are already struggling with rising food costs we cannot afford instability in the very programs designed to prevent hunger. I ask that you take immediate action to ensure these essential services remain fully staffed fully functional and accessible to those who depend on them. Thank you for your time and attention to this urgent matter.