Last February, Food Lifeline hosted a virtual townhall to discuss the increase in need for food assistance for active duty and retired military service members and military families. We were joined by key members of our state’s federal and state delegations and regional community partners on the front lines of fighting food insecurity, and were excited to see their commitment to fight for additional support for military families.
Early this month, one of our Town Hall participants Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), alongside bi-partisan sponsors, introduced the Military Hunger Prevention Act to help low-income military families living with food insecurity. This bill would make it easier for military families to purchase groceries, specifically by addressing regulations that unintentionally make it harder for these families to qualify for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits.
When introducing the bill, Congresswoman Strickland said:
“Our military community has not gone untouched by the challenges of this pandemic, including the economic strain it has placed on housing and hunger. The bottom line is that people who serve our country should not have to worry about putting food on the table. The Military Hunger Prevention Act is the investment that our military families need and deserve, and I’m proud to join Representatives Panetta, Young, and Bacon in introducing this vital legislation to put an end to military hunger.”
All of us at Food Lifeline would like to thank Congresswoman Strickland and her efforts on behalf of food insecure servicemembers and their families here in Washington and across the country. This bill will not only make a difference in the lives of over 10,000 military families across the country but will help us engage our network of supporters and advocates to continue to strive for change.
To learn more about Congresswoman Strickland’s work to support military families click here.
Or, to watch our virtual town hall with Congresswoman Strickland and other legislators and community members click here.
