SOLVE WE CAN HUNGER TOGETHER Learn about the federal, state and local landscape and how we can take action to have local impacts. With a challenging political landscape for anti-hunger issues, making allies is more important than ever. Learn what is on the horizon for food and nutrition programs. Explore the facts and commit to leveraging opportunities to preserve and strengthen food programs for vulnerable residents. We all have a role to play in protecting these nutrition programs. 

115th Congress: Federal Legislative Landscape Key Legislative Threats: Healthcare reform Cuts to federal spending Tax reform What Positions FA Well to Engage: Interest in public/private partnerships Proven track record in innovative partnerships with schools, health groups, business & food community Bipartisan reputation

OVERARCHING 2017 GOALS Protect and Strengthen Federal Nutrition Programs in Federal Budget/Spending Legislation Oppose SNAP Block Grant & Potential Program Cuts Increase Investments in TEFAP Food Resources Protect Child Nutrition Programs Ensure the Next Farm Bill Reduces Hunger Protect Snap, Increase TEFAP funding, Strengthen food donation policies and identify funding for ag/food industry donation partnerships Protect Tax Incentives that Strengthen Food Banks, Working Families Protect & strengthen federal charitable giving tax incentives & food donation tax incentives Protect & strengthen tax credits for working families (EITC, Child Tax Credit)

It’s a marathon, not a sprint! Timeline for Federal Action: March 2017 Affordable Care Act Replacement Bill out House vote expected soon Legislation would cut health insurance to 25 million Americans Senate passage not assured April 2017 FY2017 Spending must be finalized by April 30 – across the board funding % expected FY2018 Budget Resolution Introduced - Could threaten nutrition programs or charitable giving incentives Would then need a separate budget reconciliation bill to be passed to make the legislative changes Summer 2017 Legislative fight to oppose budget reconciliation legislation that would require simple majority in House and Senate Legislation would set funding levels for Farm Bill, Future Tax Reform

Feeding America Focusing Advocacy Efforts On: Coalitions with national partners: anti hunger, private sector, ag industry, health providers Turnkey Resources to Enable Network Advocacy Targeted Grassroots Activation by Network Recent Focus: NAHO network letter, almost 3,000 orgs on Engaging with key state and local coalitions to support efforts

How Can Citizen Advocacy Help Protect Programs? YOU are the experts on local impact of anti-hunger initiatives Direct constituent outreach has THE most impact with Members of Congress Engage at any point you can – either with local congressional staff, through coalition, or with DC staff Even supportive lawmakers need to hear from you!

What You Can Do: Today, Tomorrow, All Year 1. Schedule and hold a meeting or volunteer event with your new or returning member of Congress. 2. Share a Facebook graphic or participate in a Twitter event organized by the food bank. 3. Write a joint op-ed with key community stakeholders about the importance of federal nutrition programs Determine who your MOC is Engage with Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Clara & San Mateo Counties Reach out to your new or returning members of Congress. Build Local Partnerships 2. Collecting contact information, engaging them in your advocacy priorities 3. Build relationships with MOC 4. Join Food Bank trip to Washington

Thank you!