National Consumers League announces support for Farm Bill – National Consumers League
September 12, 2012
Contact: Carol McKay, NCL Communications, (412) 945-3242, carolm@nclnet.org
Washington, DC–Today, the National Consumers League (NCL), the nation’s oldest consumer advocacy organization, will participate in the Farm Bill Now! rally being held in Washington, DC, joining farmer, conservation, and nutrition groups, as well as members of Congress, to call for the passage of the farm bill that provides stability and a fair marketplace to farmers and protects the social safety net programs like SNAP (food stamps) for families in need.
“We are pleased to join this rally to support a robust and dynamic farm bill,” said Sally Greenberg, NCL Executive Director, who will speak at the rally. “NCL is pleased to provide a consumer perspective on this issue.”
The current farm bill, a large piece of legislation that forms the bedrock of farm policy in the United States, will expire on September 30. The farm bill includes 37 programs, including conservation measures and programs that promote the growth of local farmers markets.
“Eighty percent of the money from the farm bill goes to nutrition programs, most notably the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), or food stamps. This critical measure is an essential part of the American safety net and has been particularly helpful during the recession of the past few years,” said Greenberg. “Without this program, which currently serves about 46 million Americans, many parents would have been unable to feed themselves and their children.”
As a program that kicks in during tough economic times, SNAP has proven not only a crucial part of the safety net but also a tool to stimulate economic activity. “Funding SNAP is of paramount importance and is good for those who benefit from the program and for the economy in general,” added Greenberg.
The rally will take place at 11:00 a.m. at Union Square in front of the Capitol Reflecting Pond.
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About the National Consumers League
The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.
