Rep. Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (PA-5), chairman of the House Agriculture Committee’s Subcommittee on Nutrition, held a hearing to discuss the future of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) as part of the hearing series to set the stage for the next farm bill. During the 114th Congress, the committee completed a comprehensive review of SNAP—known as the Past, Present, and Future of SNAP—which helped members gain a better understanding of the program and the population it serves, and it also brought attention to areas in need of improvement. This hearing allowed the subcommittee to hear from a panel of witnesses who shared their perspectives on SNAP and discussed their suggestions for improving the program.
“SNAP is the largest program in the domestic hunger safety net, and is currently responsible for putting food on the table for nearly 43 million Americans. The program has seen considerable growth and changes in participation in recent years, which is why this committee conducted a top-to-bottom review of SNAP during the 114th Congress to gain a better understanding of the program and the population it serves. As we further our discussion on the future of SNAP and the next farm bill, it is important to recognize the economic benefits the program brings to communities in addition to helping eligible low-income households provide their families with a low-cost, nutritious diet. The valuable insight we gained from our witnesses today will be beneficial as we continue to examine meaningful improvements to the program to better serve our most vulnerable populations,” said Nutrition Subcommittee Chairman Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson.
“SNAP plays a crucial role in preventing millions of Americans from going hungry during tough times. While the House Agriculture Committee’s comprehensive two-year review showed us that SNAP is working well in many areas, it also showed us that there are a number of areas in need of improvement. By understanding what works and what doesn’t, we can make certain SNAP is meeting the needs of the populations it is intended to serve. As we continue to evaluate the future of SNAP, it is important to recognize it is not a one-size-fits-all solution to ending hunger and food insecurity in this country—everyone has a role to play in lifting Americans out of poverty. It is also important to ensure that taxpayer dollars are being well spent, by serving recipients in the most efficient manner possible while maintaining program integrity and reducing administrative burdens,” said Agriculture Committee Chairman K. Michael Conaway.
Written testimony provided by the witnesses from today’s hearing is linked below. Click here for more information, including Subcommittee Chairman Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson’s opening statement and the archived webcast.
Witness List:
Ms. Stacy Dean, Vice President for Food Assistance Policy, Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, Washington, D.C
Mr. Russell Sykes, Director, Center for Employment and Economic Well-Being, American Public Human Services Association, Washington, D.C.
Mr. Joe Arthur, Executive Director, Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, Harrisburg, PA
Mr. Josh Protas, Vice President of Public Policy, MAZON – A Jewish Response to Hunger, Washington, DC
Ms. Jennifer Hatcher, Senior Vice President, Government and Public Affairs, Food Marketing Institute, Arlington, VA