WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Agriculture House Committee member Rep. Jim McGovern (MA-3) joined ColorOfChange, the Rural Coalition and other partners at the Capitol Building to deliver petitions demanding that Congress pass a fair Farm Bill. Specifically, the petitions ask that legislators pass a bill that fully funds the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Section 2501 program, which provides outreach and technical assistance to “socially disadvantaged” farmers and ranchers.

“As the country struggles with high rates of joblessness and food insecurity, Congress has a responsibility to put healthy food, hungry people and struggling family farmers first,” said ColorOfChange Executive Director Rashad Robinson, who led the petition delivery. “Decimating funding for essential programs that help regular folks make sure they get enough food on the table does nothing to rebuild the economy. Congress is putting wasteful subsidies designed to line the pockets of Big Agribusiness ahead of making sure Americans can eat.”

“With only seven legislative days left before the current Farm Bill expires, not only do we need a Farm Bill now we need it to include food and equity provisions for all Americans,” said Rural Coalition Executive Director Lorette Picciano, who was also present at today’s delivery.

Nearly 35,000 ColorOfChange members have signed a petition calling on Congress to produce a final Farm Bill that fully funds SNAP and a program that supports the livelihoods of Black family farmers. These programs have helped save thousands of farming families, bring new families into farming, and keep children and families healthy.

For the full petition, go to: https://colorofchange.org/campaign/tell-congress-protect-food-stamps-and-family-farms