There's no rest for child and family advocates this month. As early as this week the U.S. House of Representatives will vote on the current Farm Bill, which contains cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). SNAP is the nation's most effective anti-hunger program, helping 1 in 9 Iowans—over 70 percent of whom are in families with children—put food on the table. If passed, this bill will harm many of our state's most vulnerable children and families. Your representative in Washington needs to hear from you. Here's why: The bill will cause more than 2 million low-income Americans to go hungry The bill will eliminate or reduce SNAP benefits for low-income households, many of whom are working families with children. For over 350,000 Iowans relying on SNAP to put food on their tables, these proposed cuts are cause for worry. It will add unnecessary barriers to success for working families Helping people who can work get good-paying jobs and succeed in today’s economy is good for families and the economy. This proposal would make that harder, not easier, for millions of people. Aggressive new work requirements proposed in the bill will do more harm than good, accomplishing little in terms of job creation and employment. Instead, it creates yet another "hoop" for hungry families to jump through. It will disproportionately hurt seniors, children and those with disabilities Facing age-specific employment challenges, older workers will suffer from benefit cuts. And children and those with health conditions (both of whom absolutely need access to food) will experience more food insecurity. You can make a difference in stopping this damaging bill today! Please call your representative and ask him to oppose the Farm Bill. Not sure what to say? Feel free to start with this sample script: “Hi, my name is_____ and I'm a constituent from____. I'm calling to strongly urge Representative _______ to vote “NO” on the current Farm Bill. It implements harsh cuts to SNAP, a program that helps thousands of Iowa families put food on the table. Please ask him to instead support a bipartisan Farm Bill that protects SNAP.” Feel free to adapt the message to reflect your experience and priorities. And don't forget to mention you're a constituent! | 
