Rep. Veasey Visits North Texas Food Bank, Talks about impact of SNAP cuts
Dallas, TX – Rep. Marc Veasey, TX-33, visited the North Texas Food Bank (NTFB) on Monday, November 4 to tour the facility and to discuss hunger and the potential impacts of food assistance programs due to recent food-aid funding cuts.
Earlier this month, SNAP, or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, was cut by 5 percent after the 2009 Recovery Act's temporary increase in benefits expired leaving participants with just $1.40 to spend per meal. According to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, 3.5 million Texas residents receive SNAP benefits.
Veasey voted against the GOP-backed FARM Bill that cuts billions of dollars to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The U.S. House passed the bill in September, with a 217-219 vote.
"As Members of Congress, we have the responsibility and obligation to protect the food security of every American. This is why I signed on to H.R. 3353, which will offer a one year extension of the 13% increase of SNAP benefits through FY 2014," said Veasey.
Dallas, TX (November 4, 2013)-- Rep. Veasey tours North Texas Food Bank storage facility with Jan Pruitt, CEO, of the North Texas Food Bank.
Veasey who took part in the Congressional SNAP challenge, last June, living on the $4.50 per day allotted to SNAP recipients before the recent funding cuts added, "If those who are against SNAP would take a walk through this food bank and talk to the people who come here, like I have done, I don't see how they would ever oppose this bill."
NTFB officials expect the number of food bank clients to increase due to deeper the cuts in food assistance, and reported that outreach coordinators help increase enrollment through free application assistance, education and outreach in 13 Texas counties. NTFB and their partner agency food pantries, senior food programs, after school children's programs, shelters and soup kitchens the food bank are already ramping up efforts calling for food, donations and volunteers leading up to the holiday season.
Release Date: Tuesday, November 5, 2013
Contact: Jessica Coscia, 202-225-9897, Jessica.Coscia@mail.house.gov