WASHINGTON, D.C. –U.S. Reps. Marcia L. Fudge of Ohio (OH-11), Barbara Lee of California (CA-13), and John Katko of New York (NY-24) have delivered a letter to congressional leaders urging an increase in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP/or formerly known in unofficial terms as the Food Stamps Program) to deal with rising food insecurity and unprecedented demands at food banks across the country during the coronavirus pandemic.

The letter, which comes as the pandemic is sweeping the nation via a second spike in confirmed cases and deaths, is addressed to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer .

It is signed by 161 members of Congress.

The letter urges congressional leaders to increase the maximum SNAP benefit by 15 percent and increase the minimum monthly benefit to $30 throughout the duration of the pandemic, as well as suspend administrative rules designed to weaken program eligibility.

“Prior to the pandemic, nearly 40 million Americans struggled with hunger, a number that is surely increasing with each passing day,” said Rep. Fudge, a Warrensville Heights Democrat whose largely Black 11th congressional district includes Cleveland and several of its eastern suburbs of Cuyahoga County. “SNAP is our best tool to fight food insecurity on behalf of hungry Americans at a time when they need help most.

Most of Fudge's constituents live below the poverty line.

The congresswoman said that “by boosting SNAP benefits and suspending harmful rules that limit eligibility for the program, we can avoid preventable mass hunger, alleviate the stress on our food banks, and stimulate the economy.”

SNAP is the largest and most effective nutrition program in the country, serving as the nation’s first line of defense against hunger and food insecurity.

According to the latest Census data, SNAP lifted 3.4 million individuals out of poverty in 2017, including 1.5 million children.

The current public health and economic crisis has deepened the inequities that existed long before its onset, with households of color disproportionately impacted.

In April 2020, more than one in three households with children, and approximately two in five Black and Hispanic households with children, were food insecure.

With schools and childcare centers closed, families are stretched even further to find the resources needed to feed their children who regularly receive meals at school and childcare.

“We are facing the worst economic and public health crisis in generations, and people need help now,” said Rep. Lee, a Democrat.  “With so many people losing jobs, income and food security, it is critical that Congress ensures a basic level of nutritional support for those struggling in our communities.”

A Republican, Congressman Katko agreed.

“I’m proud to lead this bipartisan effort alongside Reps. Lee and Fudge to urge Congressional Leaders to expand SNAP benefits for those adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Rep. Katko.  “With families in Central New York and across the county currently facing significant financial hardship, it is imperative that Congress act to maintain food security for vulnerable members of our community."

A representative for the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC) said that it is crucial that Congress take action to help Americans with food insecurities. "FRAC joins in calling on U.S. senators to boost SNAP benefits as soon as possible to limit the depth and duration of the food hardship and economic dislocation Americans are experiencing in the wake of COVID-19,” said FRAC president Luis Guardia. “Increasing SNAP maximum and minimum benefit levels and suspending harmful SNAP rules changes are crucial pieces of the package to jump start the robust recovery America needs.” Kate Leone, senior vice president of government relations and a member of the Feeding America executive team, was also adamant about the need for federal lawmakers to increase SNAP benefits during the coronavirus pandemic.

“The increased need for food assistance during this crisis is starkly illustrated by the increase in demand at the Feeding America network of food banks across the country,” said Leone. “Food banks are a key partner in addressing hunger, but for every meal our network provides, SNAP provides nine."

Congress persons Fudge, Lee and Katko said that  “we are pleased to see bipartisan support for increasing SNAP benefits along with other key supports including increased food assistance through the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) and child nutrition programs and are eager for this help to reach the people we serve. ”

The text of the letter can be found here.

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