The U.S. House of Representatives today passed farm bill reauthorization legislation that fails to restore cuts made to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and nutrition education programs in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The American Heart Association, a global force changing the future of health for all, issued the following statement in response:
"By advancing a farm bill that fails to restore deep cuts to SNAP and nutrition education programs, the House missed an important opportunity to help ensure families across the country have nutritious food on their tables.
"SNAP plays a critical role in making nutritious food accessible and affordable for individuals and families nationwide. This program doesn't just address hunger, it is foundational to improving health outcomes and advancing health and hope for everyone, everywhere.
"The Senate now has an opportunity to strengthen this legislation and address gaps left by the House bill. Fully restoring SNAP and nutrition education programs is essential to ensuring the farm bill puts health first, because reliable access to healthy food helps people protect their heart and brain health and reduce their risk of chronic disease. The American Heart Association urges senators to reject any farm bill that leaves these harmful cuts in place and instead advance legislation that strengthens nutrition security and protects access to healthy food for communities across the country."
