Federal Update

Budget

Over the weekend a deal was reached on top-line spending numbers for defense spending and non-defense spending. Now, Congress has to work very quickly to allocate out those pools of funding to the various agencies and programs.

As a reminder, under the current Continuing Resolution, there are two funding deadlines: the first is January 19, and the second is February 2. The deadline that impacts federal nutrition programs is January 19, so Congress has a few short days to avert a partial government shutdown. Please monitor your email closely for time-sensitive advocacy alerts.

Farm Bill

In the current continuing resolution, there was a one-year extension of the Farm Bill, setting the new deadline of September 30, 2024. What we’re hearing is that there is a significant push to pass a final bill in the first few months of this year, potentially in March or April. I will keep you updated as things unfold and there are opportunities for advocating to support TEFAP and SNAP.

State Update

The New York State legislature returned to session last week, and it is time to be vocal with our New York State legislators about the crucial role of HPNAP and Nourish New York in making sure we have the resources we need to support our work to feed our neighbors in need. There will be several opportunities for you to engage in statewide efforts in coordination with our colleagues at Feeding New York State in the coming weeks and months as we race to the state budget deadline of April 1.

In addition to requesting increased funding for HPNAP and Nourish New York, we’ll be advocating for universal school meals to ensure all children have access to free breakfast and lunch, as well as advocating for raising the minimum monthly SNAP benefit to $100, from $23.

This is an ambitious agenda, and we’ll need all of us to speak up and advocate for these critical legislative asks.