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Why the Farm Bill Matters for Texas

  

Author:
Celia Cole /(512) 320-0222 x110

May 15, 2007

The 2007 Farm Bill is an Opportunity to Stop the Erosion of Federal Food Stamp Benefits >>  
Food Stamp Participation by County >>  
Improving the Food Stamp Program: The Feeding America’s Families Act and the 2007 Farm Bill >>  

At the end of May, Congress will begin debating the 2007 Farm Bill, legislation that affects not just farmers, but the 2.3 million Texans who rely on Food Stamps to make ends meet. Statewide, 25% of Texas children receive Food Stamps. Nationally, roughly half of all Americans between the ages of 20 and 65 will use Food Stamps at some point in their lives when they fall on hard times. Due to program cuts in 1996, the purchasing power of Food Stamps has eroded. Families now get $40 less a month. This means that Food Stamp recipients get just $1 per meal per day, increasing their risk of running out of food before the end of the month or forcing them to buy cheaper, less healthy food. The 2007 Farm Bill is an opportunity to increase the value of Food Stamps. Read on to learn more about Food Stamp erosion and to get Food Stamp enrollment data by county.