Food stamps are our nation’s first line of defense against hunger for children, families, and the elderly living in poverty. This year the reauthorization by Congress of the Farm Bill, which contains the Food Stamp Program, will shape policies and programs on farming for years to come. The Farm Bill addresses the issue of hunger and determines the future of rural communities and the fate of farmers at home and abroad.

Our Catholic teaching holds that every person has a right to adequate food and water. It is our moral responsibility, in a nation as bountiful as ours, to eliminate food insecurity that puts at risk people with low-incomes. Additionally, as stewards of God's creation, farming practices should sustain the land for future generations and our policies must allow farmers in developing countries the ability to feed the hungry and reduce poverty.

Our Congressional leaders need to reauthorize the Farm Bill to strengthen the Food Stamp Program by increasing funding for critical food programs that assist the working poor and the elderly. It must also preserve the Commodity Supplemental Food and the Community Food & Nutrition Programs, ensure that federal nutrition programs meet the unique needs of rural families, and promote the viability of farms and farming in this country and throughout the world. Click Here for more information and scroll to the end of the linked page to send a message to your federal Senators and Representative.