What We’re Advocating for in 2023

Feeding Louisiana annually develops federal and state public policy recommendations that reduce hunger in our state. 

One Goal: Eliminate Hunger in Louisiana

• We advocate for meaningful state and federal initiatives that increase food access and relieve statewide hunger.

• We strongly support the expansion of programs that have improved food security among the people that we serve.

• We are committed to raising awareness and educating the public about the problem of hunger in Louisiana.

---

State Policy Priorities 

• Raise income eligibility to 200% for The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) clients

  Expand access to TEFAP by raising the income eligibility threshold to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).

  This will allow more individuals and families in need access to the vital food assistance provided by TEFAP.

  Additionally, it would align TEFAP income eligibility with that of other federal nutrition programs, such as SNAP, which also have an income eligibility threshold of 200% FPL.

• Administer the Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP) policy for seniors recertifying SNAP benefits

  Make renewing SNAP benefits for seniors simpler by adopting the federal ESAP policy of extending the renewal period to every 3 years, instead of annually.

• Encourage College Campus Anti-Hunger Initiatives

  Support funding opportunities needed for colleges to implement anti-hunger programs and to increase the number of on and off campus pantries across the state.

• Support policies that protect vulnerable populations and communities

  Monitor priority bills of partner organizations and offer support as needed, including policies that enhance access, lower barriers to qualify for and retain benefits, and contribute to the long-term health of our communities.

Federal Policy Priorities 

• Expand the reach of child nutrition programs through Child Nutrition Reauthorization (CNR)

  We strongly encourage Congress to pass a comprehensive CNR bill that effectively addresses the hunger needs of vulnerable children.

  By supporting CNR, Congress can streamline regulations for child nutrition programs, increase flexibility to provide more feeding options, expand and extend the Summer-EBT program, and lower eligibility thresholds to reach more low-income and rural children.

• Protect and strengthen anti-hunger programs though the Farm Bill 2023

  We urge legislators to support the 2023 Farm Bill by prioritizing programs and policies that foster the development of local and regional food systems and address food insecurity among low-income individuals and families.

  Click here to contact your local legislature to urge them to pass a strong 2023 Farm Bill.