Budget: safeguard programs for food security, sustainable agriculture & climate

Today I take pen in hand to write and urge you, in the strongest possible terms, to reject the provisions in H.R. 1 that pose a grave threat to food security and climate resilience. The proposed $300 billion cut to SNAP over the next decade will increase hunger and hardship for millions of low-income Americans, including children. Estimate show that shifting more SNAP costs to states will force many to reduce benefits or eligibility. This undermines a vital anti-poverty program that keeps over 40 million people from going hungry. Meanwhile, the $50 billion increase in subsidies for industrial commodity farms ignores the needs of sustainable and beginning farmers. Re-directing unspent climate funds from the Inflation Reduction Act, without safeguards, could funnel more support to environmentally harmful practices. These changes in the budget bill also dismantle efforts to build a more equitable, climate-smart food system. Climate change is already sending increased heat, flash drought, extreme rainfall that are affecting crops and farmers livelihood. Also at risk: Programs to support beginning farmers and ranchers, farmer-led sustainable research, rural development and farm loans, local and regional food supply chains, and those that help farmers access new markets. None of these were incorporated into the Republican mega-bill! We need policies that strengthen food access, embrace sustainable agriculture, and help farmers adapt to escalating climate impacts - not ones that exacerbate hunger, inequality, and environmental degradation. I urge you in the strongest possible terms to reject these regressive provisions that favor wealthy corporate interests over struggling families and the long-term welfare of our nation's food production and natural resources. Thank you.