Some anti-poverty groups are criticizing both Houses of Congress for seeking to cut funding for food stamp programs in this year's Farm Bill.
Every 5 years Congress takes a fresh look at the Farm Bill. But groups are saying it appears Congress is only looking for ways to cut programs, not enhance them.
Mark Dunlea is with Hunger Action Network of New York State. He says Congress must establish a food system that will support programs to consistently combat poverty and help low-income families gain more access to healthier foods.
"We have a food system from the Farm Bill that subsidizes unhealthy food choices, particularly corn which is turned into corn syrup and sugar. And soy, which is turned into fat," says Dunlea.
Dunlea believes the Farm Bill has helped to spur a country-wide epidemic of obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes.
He says the largest portion of the Farm Bill is SNAP, (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) more commonly referred to as the Food Stamp system. Dunlea says the Senate has already voted to cut $4.5 billion dollars from the program over the next 10 years.
More than 3 million New Yorkers are fed annually by emergency food programs like SNAP.
Hunger Action Network of New York State is teaming up with Bread for the World to urge Congress to establish a circle of protection around funding for nutrition programs and tax credits that help meet the nutritional and basic needs of families.