Lynn Food Policy Council signs onto national letter urging Congress to protect SNAP and child nutrition programs

The Lynn City Food Policy Council voted to sign onto a national advocacy letter urging Congress to reject budget proposals that would cut or weaken the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and child nutrition programs.

Council members heard a reading of the proposed letter, which describes SNAP as “a strong and effective tool in the fight against hunger and poverty” and urged the House and Senate to reject changes that would reduce benefit levels or narrow eligibility. Speaker 3 read key passages of the letter and then moved that the council sign on and authorize a named representative to submit the council’s signature.

Why it matters: Council members said cuts to SNAP and associated child nutrition programs would worsen food insecurity in communities served by Lynn organizations, increase demand on local food banks, and reduce economic activity in neighborhoods that depend on SNAP dollars.

Outcome and authorization: The motion to sign on passed by roll call; the council also authorized the motion-maker to sign the letter on behalf of the council and to submit it through the coordinating organization distributing the sign-on letter. The roll call recorded all present member organizations voting yes: Greaterland Senior Services; Leo; UMass Extension; Creative Collective; Salvation Army; Catholic Charities; Marcus Family YMCA; and the Chair.

Next steps: Staff will complete the sign-on form and submit the council’s name through the coordinating organization so the letter can be delivered to the House and Senate leadership as indicated in the sign-on materials.