Congresswoman Barbara Lee Reintroduces the Improving Access to Nutrition Act
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Barbara Lee reintroduced the Improving Access to Nutrition Act, which will lift the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program’s (SNAP) three month time limit and ensure that all people have access to nutrition assistance and stay healthy while seeking full-time work.
Feeding America, a non-profit organization tackling hunger in the U.S., estimates that more than 42 million people are now experiencing hunger due to Covid-19. Under current law, adults ages 18-49 without children, and without a documented disability, are subject to a harmful and arbitrary three-month time limit of SNAP benefits unless they are working 80 hours a month.
“As millions struggle to keep food on the table during this pandemic, it is more critical than ever that we ensure access to healthy food,” said Congresswoman Barbara Lee. “As a single mother raising two boys, I know the tough decisions that families face when paying for food and other necessities. SNAP was a bridge over troubled water to help feed my family, and the same is true for countless others.
“SNAP benefits ensure that all adults, including those who struggle to find stable employment, have access to food. Creating a barrier to food access does not help anyone secure employment or make our communities healthier or safer. It’s past time that the federal government step up and reduce these cruel restrictions that only worsen food insecurity during a global pandemic and economic crisis.”
For the full text of the bill, click here.
Endorsing Organizations: Food Research & Action Center, Feeding America, MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger, CA Food Banks, Alameda County Community Food Bank, Children’s Defense Fund.
Original Cosponsors: Reps. Derek Kilmer, Raúl M. Grijalva, Ro Khanna, Adriano Espaillat, Suzanne Bonamici, Peter Welch, Ayanna Pressley, Ruben Gallego, Earl Blumenauer, Adam Smith, Marilyn Strickland, Gwen Moore, Ilhan Omar, Bonnie Watson Coleman, Theodore E. Deutch, Tony Cardenas, Bobby L. Rush, James P. McGovern, Grace Meng.