Food Insecurity: 127 faith-based organizations from Muslim, Christian, Jewish, Unitarian Universalists, and other traditions released a letter calling on Congressional leaders to support a “Faithful Farm Bill"

 

127 Faith Groups Advocate for Farm Bill that Protects the Well-Being of People and the Planet

 

 

WASHINGTON, DC (September, 2023) – 127 faith-based organizations from Muslim, Christian, Jewish, Unitarian Universalists, and other traditions released a letter calling on Congressional leaders to support a “Faithful Farm Bill” that expands food access and food security, supports agricultural workers, and protects the environment in the U.S. and globally. The letter was addressed to the Chairs and Ranking Members of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry and the House Committee on Agriculture. Read the complete text of the letter here. According to the letter, “Many of our organizations, congregations, and leaders work to feed and serve our struggling friends and neighbors, but we know we cannot do this alone. The Farm Bill’s resources must be effectively targeted for the greatest need. Programs and policies that curb hunger and malnutrition, support vibrant agricultural economies in rural communities, and promote the sustainable use of natural resources must be prioritized as part of a comprehensive Farm Bill, with adequate funding to meet these diverse needs fully.” The letter goes on to detail specific policy proposals in five areas:   1.   Protect, expand, and strengthen programs that reduce hunger, address food insecurity, and improve nutrition in the United States; 2.  Strengthen policies and programs that address climate change; 3.  Ensure equitable program implementation to remedy historically underserved communities; 4.  Provide a fair and effective farm safety net that allows farmers, farmworkers, and producers in the U.S. and around the world to earn economically sustainable livelihoods; 5.  Safeguard and improve international food aid in ways that encourage local food security and improve the nutritional quality of food aid. Congress is currently working on the 2023 Farm Bill, which is authorized every five years and includes over $400 billion in spending. It determines what food is grown, how it’s grown, and how affordable it is. It funds vital anti-hunger programs that help tens of millions of people every day. And it influences agricultural and food policies with significance in the U.S. and globally. Faith leaders are using this opportunity to advocate for a Farm Bill that is aligned with their faith traditions and nurtures and supports people and the planet. Click here to read the full letter.