Proposed budget cuts could turn many families and children away from hunger programs. Take action here.

On Apr. 29, the House Appropriations Committee advanced a concerning funding bill for the Department of Agriculture (USDA) and hunger programs. Amid a total four percent cut to the bill from last year’s funding levels, the bill would cut $200 million from the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program serving low-income mothers at risk of hunger. This comes as many WIC modernization programs are set to expire in September, since Congress has failed to take up any reauthorization bill to keep them active. Additionally, the legislation would codify staffing cuts at the USDA, quietly endorsing an ongoing restructure plan that many farmers say is leading to fewer regional support offices and loss of critical knowledge for agriculture programs.

This funding bill is a surprising development that would continue to inflict new cuts on families and rural communities that are already facing critical cost-of-living choices. Many churches often partner with these programs – from hosting WIC clinics and outreach events in their communities to supplementing nutrition and hunger needs that USDA programs do not fully meet. Our ministries cannot fully replace the hunger benefits being lost through the budget decisions being considered federally now.

We urge you to contact your senators and representatives today. Urge them to fully fund and reauthorize WIC in addition to other essential USDA programs and ensure adequate staffing in the FY27 agriculture appropriations bill.

THANK YOU for joining the ELCA in advocating for our neighbors in need!

CONTACT YOUR MEMBER OF CONGRESS

Find my members of Congress here.

Read the Action Alert in the ELCA Advocacy Action Center

Arizona Congressional Delegation