House Agriculture Committee Holds Hearing on the Role of the Charitable Sector in Feeding the Hungry

Today the House Committee on Agriculture held a hearing on the vital role that the charitable sector plays in feeding vulnerable Americans. Men and women who work for and have received assistance from these organizations gave committee members a first-hand account of what is working and what is not working on the ground in their communities. They specifically addressed the partnership between government nutrition programs and charitable organizations that are dedicated to providing nutrition assistance and helping individuals rise out of poverty. This hearing is part of the committee’s ongoing review of the Past, Present, and Future of SNAP, currently known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and formerly referred to as food stamps.

“Addressing the nutritional needs of Americans is not solely the responsibility of the government through SNAP,” Chairman K. Michael Conaway said. “Recipients benefit from a strong partnership between the government and the charitable sector. Churches, food banks, and other local organizations are deeply rooted in their communities and often have more flexibility to meet the specific needs of individuals and families they serve. If we understand the complementary relationship between SNAP and these other organizations, it will help us all achieve the goal of improving the lives of those in need to move up the economic ladder.”  

Written testimony provided by the witnesses from today’s hearing is linked below. Click here for more information, including Chairman Conaway's opening statement and the archived webcast.

​Witness List:​




Ms. Kate Maehr, CEO, Greater Chicago Food Depository, Chicago, IL

Ms. Keleigh Green-Patton, South Holland, IL
Mr. Dustin Kunz, Salesforce Administrator & Research Project Manager, Texas Hunger Initiative, Waco, TX

Ms. Lynda Taylor Ender, AGE Director, The Senior Source, Dallas, TX

Mr. Jonathan Webb, Director of Foundations and Community Outreach, Feed the Children, Edmond, OK