Mailbag

Dear Editor:

I recently had the incredible opportunity to attend Save the Children Action Network’s (SCAN) Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C., where I joined nearly 200 fellow advocates from across the nation. To see that there are others who advocate to address food insecurity and alleviate hunger was an encouraging experience! I am truly grateful to sit among those who make such a huge impact on our world.
As a parent in Ville Platte, I know that we need to address hunger and malnutrition throughout the United States, and this year’s Farm Bill is a vital part of that. Set to expire in September 2023, the Farm Bill is legislation that authorizes federal food and agriculture programs in the U.S. and is essential in ensuring the well-being of millions of children in our country who depend on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Unfortunately, now more than ever, these benefits are inadequate and leave families struggling to put food on the table, and rural communities are often hit the hardest.
This bill will have a huge impact on the children in Louisiana who face hunger. That’s why lawmakers must not only ensure that essential anti-hunger programs like SNAP continue without disruption, but also strengthen SNAP by increasing benefit levels, allowing food choices without restrictions, and allow enrollment by telephone. As an advocate with SCAN, I urge lawmakers to take swift action in crafting a Farm Bill that addresses today’s challenges and emphasizes child-centric provisions.

Sincerely,
Dafnee Chatman
Early Childhood Parent
Advocate
Ville Platte