Blog
July 2023 Food for Thought
Advocacy postcards through our Food for Thought program are back! We have sample messages to elected officials, blank postcards, and stamps waiting and ready to go at Extraordinary Ventures during our sort dates. If you are coming to volunteer or to drop off donated food, please feel welcome to join as you can (this time or in the future – the messaging changes each month). There will be a table set up with postcards and someone on hand to walk you through postcard writing if you’re new to it – it’s super easy! The time commitment is less than 5 minutes for a postcard. Let our legislators and other elected officials know that we are paying attention and that we insist they enact policies that prioritize our most vulnerable neighbors.
Want to write a postcard from home? Go for it! Our sample messaging for this month is below. (Note: If you would rather email or call your elected officials, feel free! We encourage you to reach out in whatever way is most comfortable.)
Once you have contacted your elected officials, we ask that you fill out this brief form to let us know that you have done so. It will only take a minute. This helps us to measure our impact! Thank you!
Dear Senator/Representative [NAME],
As Congress works to renew the farm bill, please protect SNAP from further restrictions, support increased funding for fresh produce within SNAP benefits, and reauthorize the Food for Peace global nutrition program at no less than its current level.
Sincerely,
[YOUR NAME]
Addresses:
- Senator Thom Tillis
185 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
2. Representative Valerie Foushee
1716 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
If you don’t live in Rep. Foushee’s district, find your rep here.
3. Senator Ted Budd
SR-B85 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
BACKGROUND
The impact of the farm bill is significant. It not only affects the agriculture and food sectors – it can play a huge role in ending food insecurity and hunger in the U.S. and save the lives of millions abroad.
This year, Congress is working to renew farm bill programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and international food aid programs. Among the measures that should be included are strengthening nutrition security in domestic and international programs; creating a more equitable SNAP program; and increasing food systems sustainability.