Across the country, families, farmers, food banks, schools, and childcare centers face growing challenges in keeping food systems strong and accessible. In Food Bank of the Albemarle’s service area covering 15 counties in Northeastern North Carolina, the need in rural communities is greater than ever with an estimated 46,440 of our neighbors experiencing food insecurity.
Several federal bills currently under consideration aim to address staffing shortages, support local food purchasing, streamline nutrition programs, and reverse harmful cuts to SNAP that were introduced in HR 1 (aka the “One Big Beautiful Bill”).
Each bill has the potential to change policy and help strengthen our food systems in our rural region and all of North Carolina. Click the links to learn more about each piece of proposed legislation.
For information on how you can help advocate for stronger food security programs, visit our Advocacy Page.
SNAP Staffing Flexibility Act (H.R. 2811)
What it does:
This bill would allow states to hire contractors to help process Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) certifications and handle documentation. By easing the burden on understaffed county agencies, the act is designed to:
- Reduce delays in benefit processing
- Minimize administrative “error rates”
- Connect families to food assistance more quickly
Why it matters:
Many local agencies are overwhelmed. Giving them flexibility means fewer families waiting weeks for benefits they urgently need.
How you can take action:
- Share your experience: If you’ve faced long wait times for SNAP, your story highlights the need for staffing support. Contact us to share your story.
- Contact your representatives and explain how administrative delays affect real people.
Local Farmers Feeding Our Communities Act (House: H.R. 4782) / Strengthening Local Food Security Act (Senate: S. 2338)
What it does:
Together, these companion bills would create a permanent funding program for cooperative agreements between the USDA and states, territories, and federally recognized Tribes. This bill is similar to LFPA (Local Food Purchase Cooperative Agreement) that supported our local farmers, growers and packers. The LFPA program, which provided as much as $1 million in funds for local purchase of produce and food, ended in 2025.
- Purchasing food from local growers and producers
- Strengthening school nutrition programs
- Supporting early childcare centers
Why it matters:
This invests federal dollars back into local agriculture while ensuring that families and institutions receive fresh, high‑quality food. It’s a win for farmers, communities, and local economies.
How you can take action:
- Support your local farmers by sharing how such programs have impacted your community.
- Encourage food banks, school districts, and childcare centers to express support publicly or through their associations.
- Attend local agriculture or food policy meetings and raise awareness of these programs.
EFFECTIVE Food Procurement Act (H.R. 6706 / S. 3471)
What it does:
This bill updates how USDA purchases food for child nutrition programs, senior nutrition programs, and community food initiatives. It emphasizes a values‑based procurement approach that considers:
- Nutrition quality
- Equity
- Environmental sustainability
- Support for small and mid‑sized producers
Why it matters:
By shifting purchasing priorities, the USDA can promote healthier meals in schools and community programs while strengthening a more diverse and resilient supply chain.
How you can take action:
- Connect with local schools or senior centers to understand their food sourcing needs.
- Share stories showing how food quality impacts children, seniors, or community members.
- Contact policymakers and urge them to prioritize equity and sustainability within federal purchasing systems.
Restoring Food Security for American Families and Farmers Act of 2025 (H.R. 6088 / S. 3281)
What it does:
This bill would repeal cuts to SNAP included in HR1.
Why it matters:
Restoring SNAP funding ensures that vulnerable families maintain access to the support they need, especially during periods of high food prices or economic instability.
How you can take action:
- If SNAP benefits have helped your family or your clients, share those stories.
- Support advocacy groups working to maintain strong nutrition programs.
- Highlight the economic importance of SNAP: every dollar spent in SNAP generates significant economic activity at local grocery stores and markets.
How YOU Can Take Action Today
Here are simple, effective steps everyone can take:
1. Call or email your members of Congress:
Share why food security matters to you and mention the bills by number (that part is extremely helpful to staffers).
2. Talk to community organizations
Food banks, childcare centers, farm groups, and senior centers often have the strongest voices on these bills. Encourage them to issue statements or speak with legislators.
3. Share information on social media or in newsletters
Most people aren’t aware these opportunities exist. Spreading the word helps build momentum.
4. Participate in local meetings
County commissioners, school boards, and food policy councils can pass resolutions or submit letters of support.
Why Your Voice Matters
Federal nutrition and agricultural programs shape how our neighbors access healthy food and how local farmers stay in business. Food Bank of the Albemarle’s public policy is to strengthen federal social safety programs like SNAP, and government commodity programs like TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program) and CSFP (The Commodity Supplemental Food Program).
These proposed bills aim to strengthen the food system from the ground up. Our collective support ultimately can improve the quality and quantity of food available to our neighbors and help our communities thrive.
