Media Coverage

"Congress has pushed its vote on the Farm Bill until at least after the midterm elections in November. Much of the delay is over the work requirements that would allow some to either get money to buy food or not. Mary O'Shea, director of advocacy at the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, says the delays are an attempt to make a much harsher policy. 'The reality is that there are already work requirements,' said O'Shea."

Advocacy and policy groups from across the state are decrying proposed cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as food stamps, in the 2018 Farm Bill.

The farm bill provides the heart of our collective commitment that no one in Ohio or anywhere across this great nation should go hungry. The nutrition assistance programs contained in this legislation feed tens of millions of children, seniors, veterans and other hungry Americans in every county across the United States.

Besides serving nutritious meals, Whitmer adds many summer programs offer educational and recreational activities to keep kids engaged. "Studies show that there's learning loss over the summer, so it's a way of having activities and it's a way to keep kids interested during the summertime," she points out. Find a summer meal site by texting 877-877 and typing in a ZIP Code.

"Instead of attacking and working to undermine the SNAP program, Congress should vote to strengthen and increase food assistance benefits to ensure low-income Ohioans can afford to purchase nutritious, wholesome food and live healthier and productive lives."

"Senate Republicans and Democrats already have announced their intention of crafting a bipartisan farm bill. Which means staying away from such careless changes to food assistance. House Republicans have reason to take the cue, if they are interested in a bipartisan majority for the farm bill."