Food Programs: Expanding Access to Essential Nutrition

If you’ve never needed a food assistance program, consider yourself among the fortunate—I cannot say the same. This personal experience drives my commitment to expanding food programs like SNAP, WIC, and community food shelf programs.

For many individuals and families, the combined burden of food, rent, and daily bills can be overwhelming. Expanding food programs not only benefits low-income children but also supports entire households struggling to make ends meet.

Broader Eligibility for SNAP and WIC: I believe we should expand programs like SNAP and WIC to cover lower middle-income families, who often fall through the cracks of financial assistance despite facing significant hardships. No family should have to choose between feeding their children and paying their bills.

Increased Funding for Community Food Shelves: Community food shelves need more funding to provide higher-quality, longer-lasting food. Too often, the food available at these shelves is near expiration or requires immediate freezing, making it difficult for families to rely on these programs for consistent, healthy meals. By increasing support, we can ensure food shelves are stocked with fresh, nutritious food that serves the community’s needs rather than acting as a repository for grocery store waste.

Tax Credits for Donations: Implementing or expanding tax credits for food shelf donations can incentivize ongoing community support. By encouraging more donations, we create a cycle of generosity that sustains local food shelves and ensures they remain a vital resource.

Food insecurity is not just about hunger—it’s about the stress, anxiety, and hardship that come with not knowing where your next meal will come from. By expanding and improving food programs, we can:

Improve health outcomes by increasing access to nutritious foods.

Support children’s academic performance—well-fed children learn better and stay focused.

Strengthen families by providing financial relief, allowing them to focus on other essential needs.

No one in America should go hungry. Expanding food programs and improving community food shelves is an investment in our people and our communities. By providing consistent access to healthy food, we give individuals and families the stability they need to build better futures.