The House Agriculture Committee’s Subcommittee on Nutrition convened a hearing to examine the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) three commodity distribution programs: The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), and Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR). Committee members heard from a panel of witnesses representing each of these programs who explained how the programs differ, interact, and work together to meet the nutrition needs of America’s most vulnerable citizens.
“Federal nutrition programs are vital to ensure that all Americans have healthy foods within reach, whether low income populations, the elderly, or those living in areas with strained access to nutritious foods. Along with SNAP, these programs support agriculture and mitigate the effects of poverty upon our most vulnerable citizens. As the Agriculture Committee begins its work on the next farm bill, we will continue to identify ways to work alongside state and local organizations to help provide safe and nutritious food for those who need it most,” said Nutrition Subcommittee Chairman Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (PA-5).
“We can all agree that no one in America ought to go hungry, and these food distribution programs assist Americans in gaining access to healthy foods. In addition to serving low-income families, USDA Foods supports American farmers, keeping local agriculture strong by purchasing high quality foods that are distributed through food banks, soup kitchens, Indian Tribal Organizations and other various local organizations. Understanding how these programs serve different needs and populations, as well as how they operate alongside SNAP—the nation’s largest federal nutrition program—will help the committee ensure that our taxpayer dollars are used as efficiently as possible,” said Agriculture Committee Chairman K. Michael Conaway.
Written testimony provided by the witnesses from this hearing is linked below. Click here for more information, including Subcommittee Chairman Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson’s opening statement and the archived webcast.
Witness List:
Panel I
Ms. Carrie Calvert, Director of Tax and Commodity Policy, Feeding America, Washington, D.C.
Mr. Frank Kubik, CSFP Director, Focus: HOPE, Detroit, MI
Mr. Jerry Tonubbee, Director – Food Distribution Program, Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, Durant, OK
Ms. Diane Kriviski, Deputy Administrator Supplemental Nutrition and Safety Programs, Food and Nutrition Service, Alexandria, VA