Food Aid Groups Praise New Farm Bill

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With the new federal Farm Bill now headed to President Trump for his signature, the Food Bank Council of Michigan is thanking the lawmakers who approved it without major changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. Food Bank Council of Michigan Deputy Director Kait Skwir tells WSJM News the Farm Bill also preserves the Emergency Food Assistance Program, or TEFAP.

“The Farm Bill provides support to individuals who are in need of assistance, and it also provides support to farmers, and we have a great relationships with the agricultural network in Michigan,” Skwir said.

Skwir tells us one in seven Michigan residents is food insecure. The Food Bank Council represents seven food banks in the state, including Feeding America West Michigan. Skwir says while the work they do is important, it was vital that SNAP be maintained.

“For every one meal that the Food Bank Network provides, SNAP can provide about 12 meals, and so we’re really grateful for a bill that has provisions that support both the emergency network and federal assistance programs,” Skwir said.

There had been movement to impose stricter work requirements on SNAP, but instead, the current requirements will be maintained. Skwir credits Senator Debbie Stabenow for fighting on behalf of those who struggle with food insecurity.