Feeding America’s Families Act

The Feeding America's Families Act of 2007 (H.R.2129) was introduced on May 3, 2007 by Reps. Jim McGovern (D-Mass.) and Jo Ann Emerson (R-Mo.). The legislation aims to increase funding for anti-hunger programs by $20 billion. The legislation would add $4 billion per year in additional funding for the Food Stamp Program, which was previously funded at $33 billion per year.

Bill summary


Congressional Food Stamp Challenge
Reps. McGovern and Emerson issued the Food Stamp Challenge, which they concluded May 21, 2007, in an effort "to raise awareness of the crucial role the Food Stamp Program serves in the lives of 26 million Americans each month." Joining them were Reps. Tim Ryan (D-Ohio) and Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.). The four public officials ate on $21 a week, amounting to three dollars a day, or one dollar a meal. This amount reflected the national average food-stamp benefit. Members' spouses also participated, as did a number of congressional staffers.

External resources

 * OpenCongress page on the bill
 * The Food Stamp Program, RESULTS.org.
 * Press Release: "Representatives McGovern and Emerson Introduce Nutrition Bill to Help End Hunger in America," America's Second Harvest, May 3, 2007.
 * "Congressman McGovern's floor statement on the Food Stamp Challenge," Office of Rep. James McGovern, May 15, 2007.
 * Bella English, "Lawmaker cuts budget to $3 a day. Rep. McGovern tries eating on average food stamp benefit," Boston Globe, May 19, 2007.
 * Ryan Powers, "TSA Confiscates Congressman’s Last Meal During Food Stamp Challenge," Think Progress, May 21, 2007.