Understanding the Agricultural Act of 2014

UNDERSTANDING THE AGRICULTURAL ACT OF 2014 For two years, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics worked with Congress to pass a Farm Bill that upholds nutrition programs that provide access to healthy food for millions of Americans. The Agricultural Act of 2014 was signed into law on February 7, 2014. Here's a look at our recommendations and how they fared with the bill: 1) Recommended Maintain current funding for SNAP Nutrition Education (SNAP-Ed) Passed SNAP-Ed funding restored to $401 million for FY2014 $401 M iiiii! What are SNAP and SNAP-Ed? The Supplemental Reduced food 47 million Americans Goal of SNAP-Ed: Nutrition Assistance insecurity by are on SNAP Program (SNAP) provides nutrition assistance to millions of Americans and helps to reduce hunger. 45% children 5-10% All 50 states, D.C. and Virgin Islands provide SNAP-Ed for participants. Help participants choose healthy food and physical activity on a limited budget. SNAP-Ed is the Majority program's nutrition education component. in participating Most provide are households. for families working 2) Recommended Protect and strengthen key programs in our nation's nutrition safety net Passed Increase in healthy Same eligibility criteria as food options $8.6 billion Supplemental 2008 Farm Bill Nutrition Assistance Policy change will reduce SNAP funding by $8.6 Billion over 10 years for 1/3 of the U.S. Program (SNAP) Increase in anti-fraud efforts Additional funding for training and employment programs ~90 The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) Provides food, funding and Healthy products available in 2013 Low-income $205M nutrition assistance to individuals can food banks and emergency food programs receive food at increase to TEFAP no cost The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) Eligibility requirements changed to transition women, infants and children from CSFP to WIC; is now a program for low-income seniors only. Maintain current funding for school-based Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program 3) Recommended Passed Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program is reauthorized. $5 M provided for a pilot program to evaluate offering all forms of fruits and vegetables What's the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program? Proven to increase consumption, this program provides fruit and vegetables at no cost to children at participating schools. Most children do not meet the recommended intake of fruit and vegetables. F.... Support community-based initiatives that expand availability of regionally-grown food, create jobs and promote economic growth. Recommended Passed Farmers' Market and Local Food Promotion $100 M $125 M Program reauthorized and funded. Program's goal Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive grants to provide $100 million over 5 years in matching funds to eligible organizations. Healthy Food Financing Initiative authorized to Increase receive $125 million. The intention is to provide access to healthy food in underserved communities. consumption of locally produced fruit and vegetables from farmers' markets, roadside stands and CSAS. Maintain funding for National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), and the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) which includes Human Nutrition Research Centers (HNRC). Recommended Passed ---- Funding for NIFA, ARS and HNRC Research that promotes better nutrition, fights hunger, increases food security and eliminates diet-related health disparities Foundation for Food and Agricultural Research (FFAR) is established to help encourage research and technology collaborations. maintained Maintain funding for the Specialty Crop Block Grants to support food safety and nutrition research, as well as a diversity of fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Recommended Passed Funding for Specialty Crop Block Grants is maintained. Specialty crops are defined as "fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture)." Support farm practices that conserve soil, water, air, habitat and biodiversity, and help to ensure the next generation of farmers can grow healthy foods. 7) Recommended Passed for Beginning Farmer Conservation Compliance and crop insurance premium subsides are re-linked. $100 M and Rancher Development Program Support and funding increased for farmers and ranchers with $30 M authorized to help retired farmers transfer land to less than 5 years of experience new farmers and ranchers eat Academy of Nutrition right. and Dietetics Sources Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: http://www.eatright.org House Committee on Agriculture: http://www.agriculture.house.gov U.S. Department of Agriculture: Food and Nutrition Service: http://www.fns.usda.gov U.S. Department of Agriculture: Economic Research Service: http://www.ers.usda.gov