Learn about our time in Washington at the 2023 Anti-Hunger Policy Conference and Lobby Day, continued advocacy around the 2023-2024 state budget, unanimous confirmation of Pennsylvania's Agriculture Secretary and more!

2023 Anti-Hunger Policy Conference and Lobby Day

Food Bank staff from the Advocacy and Child Nutrition teams recently attended the 2023 Anti-Hunger Policy Conference in Washington. Hosted by Feeding America and Food Research and Action Center (FRAC), the two-day event brought together hundreds of anti-hunger advocates from across the country to learn about best advocacy practices, innovative solutions to hunger and nutrition issues, and networking opportunities. The Conference concluded on Wednesday, May 10, with a lobby day on Capitol Hill.

Food Bank staff and representatives from partner organizations from across Pennsylvania were able to meet with legislators and their staff to advocate for federal nutrition programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) and our priorities for the 2023 Farm Bill. Our Food Bank team was able to meet with all of the offices in our service area. Some of the visits are highlighted below!

Food Bank staff and representatives from partner organizations standing with legislative staff from Senator Bob Casey's office.

Food Bank staff and representatives from partner organizations standing with legislative staff from Senator John Fetterman's office.

Food Bank staff and representatives from Feeding America and Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest Pennsylvania with Congressman Mike Kelly (PA-16) in his Washington office.

Food Bank staff and representatives from the Central PA Food Bank and Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest Pennsylvania with House Agriculture Committee staffer Erin Wilson.

Discussion of SNAP work requirements in debt ceiling negotiations

As debt ceiling negotiations advance between the Biden Administration and Congressional Republicans, there is a proposal by some lawmakers to include new work requirements for abled bodied adults without dependents (ABAWD) who receive benefits from assistance programs, including SNAP.

Under current law, ABAWDs ages 18 to 49 can only receive SNAP benefits for three months in any 36-month period unless they can prove they are employed or in a work or training program for at least 20 hours a week. Their proposal would expand these work-reporting requirements for ABAWDs to include individuals aged 50-55.

However, we know most SNAP participants who can work already do. Time limits often take away SNAP benefits from our neighbors in greatest need and do not increase employment. We strongly oppose any new rules that will increase food insecurity like this proposal would do.

Check out the video below to hear directly from Tim, a Navy veteran in Maine, about how this harmful requirement impacted him.

Want to help? Call your member of Congress today to ask them not to increase work reporting requirements. Click below to call your member of Congress today.

Russell Redding Confirmed as PA Secretary of Agriculture

On May 10, 2023, the Pennsylvania State Senate unanimously confirmed Russell Redding as the 27th Secretary of Agriculture. Secretary Redding was re-nominated to the role by Governor Josh Shapiro in January 2023 after serving in the position during both terms of the Wolf Administration. The Food Bank wrote a letter to the PA Senate in support of his nomination and we look forward to continued partnership with the Department. Congratulations Secretary Redding!

State Budget Update & Importance of State School Meal Supplement

The Food Bank Advocacy team continues to meet with state legislators to share the importance of making strong investments in state anti-hunger and nutrition programs in the 2023-2024 state budget. Negotiations are ongoing as lawmakers are required to have a budget signed into law by June 30.

On May 5, the Food Bank and our partners at Allies for Children, Philadelphia School District, Propel Schools and Trinity Area School District in Washington County hosted a virtual lunch and learn for state legislators and their staff about the state school meal supplement.

This provides vital funding to districts across the state for school breakfast and lunch meals and has not been increased in over 20 years despite rising food and labor costs. Attendees were able to hear directly from school food service staff about the importance of increasing the supplement and what it would mean to their districts.

In a recent survey of PA school food service directors, 83% said they will not have enough funding to run their school meal programs without additional support. Food Bank staff will continue to advocate for an increase to keep our school students fed!

Did you know over 56,000 seniors in Southwestern Pennsylvania

live in poverty?

SNAP is a lifeline to older adults across Pennsylvania and the country to help put food on the table. We know that when older adults are living in poverty, they often have to make financial decisions that could be dangerous to their health, such as skipping meals or rationing their medication. SNAP provides older adults with the benefits they need to avoid these hard decisions and helps to fight food insecurity.

Watch FRAC's video on the importance of older adult participation in SNAP:

Have a story to share about how SNAP impacts you or your community? Email us at advocacy@pittsburghfoodbank.org.

Thank you for helping us speak up about how valuable food assistance programs are in our community. We appreciate your support!

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