Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley Leads Effort to Prevent Food Insecurity Amid Government Shutdown

With the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding set to lapse on November 1st, 42 million children and families are at risk of experiencing hunger. Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, along with 211 House Democrats, has written a letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, urging the agency to use contingency reserve dollars to fund SNAP benefits during the government shutdown.

Key Takeaways:

• SNAP benefits are the difference between having food or not for many veterans, seniors, and children, with 42 million children and families at risk of experiencing hunger due to the government shutdown.
• There is enough in the SNAP contingency reserve to cover nearly two-thirds of the amount needed for a full month of benefits.
• The lawmakers are advocating for the agency to use statutory transfer authority or any other legal means to supplement shortfalls the contingency reserve cannot cover.
• Rep. Pressley has continued to fight to defend healthcare, reopen the government, and protect federal workers and the essential services they provide.
• She has also been a champion for food security and justice and ensuring families have the essential food assistance they deserve.

Statistics:

• 42 million children and families at risk of experiencing hunger due to the government shutdown.
• $173 billion in contingency reserve funding available for SNAP benefits.
• 211 House Democrats signed the letter to the USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins.

Sources:

• [Letter to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins](https://www.house.gov/jahana-hayes/congresswoman-critical-of-agriculture-secretary-rollins-actions-on-snap-pandemic-assistance-program)
• [Rep. Pressley's Statement on the Government Shutdown](https://pressley.house.gov/statement/rep-pressley-statement-govt-shutdown/)
• [Project Bread](https://eatsome.org/)