Federal Policy Update

As the ‘August Recess’ comes to an end and Congress returns back to DC, they have a lot on their to-do list and not much time to accomplish it. The most time sensitive issues are government funding (i.e., appropriations) and the Farm Bill, both of which expire at the end of September.

It is looking like there is the very real potential for a government shutdown. Congress needs to pass what is known as a CR, or continuing resolution, before government funding ends after September 30 and the new fiscal year starts October 1. A CR extends the budget deadline by maintaining funding at current levels. I will keep you posted as things unfold and let you know of any opportunities for engagement. In the event of a government shutdown, we will make sure you’re informed of impacts on federal nutrition programs.

Because of the pressure to avoid a government shutdown, negotiations and action around the Farm Bill aren’t an urgent priority for Congress, however, that doesn’t mean we aren’t still advocating on behalf of TEFAP and SNAP. We recently hosted Congressman Williams at the Food Bank, and on September 12 and 13 we’ll be in DC with other advocates from New York and across the country to visit with our representatives in Congress to talk about the importance of the Farm Bill and our requests for TEFAP and SNAP. We expect an extension of the current Farm Bill to be passed while work continues on the new bill. Thank you to everyone who has signed the Feeding New York State petition and has shared it out with your networks. Keep on promoting it and encouraging folks to take a few minutes to complete it! The petition can be found here.