THE DISH SUMMER 2023
LEGISLATION AFFECTS THE FOOD BANK’S MISSION Right now—as the demand for food assistance continues to rise—food insecurity remains an extremely important issue. While every pound of food, volunteer hour, and monetary donation is vital—your advocacy is just as important. Legislative decisions have a significant impact on the Food Bank’s mission and how neighbors receive access to healthy food. SSB 494 (previously SSB 1105) Iowa Unfortunately, the Iowa Senate advanced this bill on March 22. This bill restricts access to SNAP (The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), which provides a critical lifeline for the thousands of Iowans facing hunger. The legislation—effective July 1—will be one of the most restrictive in the country. Less access to SNAP will force Iowans to turn to mobile pantries and meal providers across the Heartland— creating an additional strain on our Network Partners and the Food Bank, during a heightened time of need.
LB 763 (amended into LB 814 and LB 818) Nebraska
Michaella Kumke, Food Bank of Lincoln President & CEO and Brian Barks, FBFH President & CEO, testifying in favor of LB 763.
LB 84 (amended into LB 277) Nebraska In Nebraska, efforts have been made to address the “cliff effect,” which occurs when a pay raise triggers a disproportionate loss of government assistance. The bill will help Nebraskans keep food on their tables as they advance in the workplace. The amendment included gross income eligibility to stay at 165%, rather than reverting to 130% of poverty and a new sunset of two years (2025). For a family of four, the first criteria to qualify for SNAP would be income at 165% of poverty—$49,500 or less. The bill allows over 10,000 Nebraskans to maintain SNAP benefits, encourages workers to continue striving for selfsufficiency, and provides a pathway beyond government assistance. We appreciate Senator Jen Day’s efforts on prioritizing this bill.
To replace the food we no longer receive through USDA TEFAP, the Food Bank worked with Nebraska Senators DeBoer and McDonnel to introduce the Adopt the Emergency Food Assistance Act. Although the bill did not move from committee, the need for food assistance was recognized by Appropriations Committee members. Amendments introduced to the mainline budget bills would appropriate $10 million to DHHS from the TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) federal block grant program. DHHS would distribute these funds to nonprofits that provide food in 10 or more counties in Nebraska and qualify for TEFAP by the USDA. Everyone deserves the right to healthy food. We need your voice—now more than ever— to advocate for hunger relief efforts. Learn how you can make your voice heard by scanning the QR code.
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