Dear John:

We’ve all seen the numbers: The magnitude of the COVID-19 crisis has been staggering. We have to make sure the vulnerable communities we serve are protected while we jump-start a strong economic recovery.

SNAP is a proven tool for economic recovery. Each $1 of SNAP during a downturn generates between $1.50 and $1.80 in economic activity. So boosting SNAP and other nutrition programs is one of the most important ways we can help pull all of our low-income and other vulnerable communities out of this crisis.

Even if your organization isn’t focused on nutrition and hunger, I hope you’ll join CHN, Food Research & Action Center (FRAC), Feeding America, Center for American Progress (CAP), and other national, state, and community-based organizations in signing a letter urging Congress and the White House to immediately boost Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and make investments in other critical nutrition programs with proven health and economic impacts.  Sign-on here by COB Friday, June 12 Please note: This letter is for organizations only.

COVID-19 has caused stunning numbers of people to go without food: one-quarter of those laid off because of the pandemic reported not having enough to eat in the previous 7 days; for those sick or disabled, the numbers were even higher. SNAP is a proven program that improves nutrition while also stimulating the economy. Congress and the White House must take action to limit the depth and duration of this health and economic crisis by providing a 15 percent boost in the SNAP maximum benefit, an increase in the minimum SNAP monthly benefit from $16 to $30, and a suspension of SNAP time limits and rules changes that would cut SNAP eligibility and benefits.

The letter also calls for investments in programs that get nutritious food to children, urgently needed as schools are reaching far fewer children who need meals, to older adults, to tribes and territories, and to help emergency food providers meet the growing need.

Sign on Here by COB Friday, June 12 Please note: This letter is for organizations only.