On Tuesday, the Senate began consideration of the Farm Bill passed by the Senate Agriculture Committee in April.  A final vote is anticipated in the next few weeks, leaving a critical window of time for advocates to reach out to their Senators to oppose the $4.5 billion cut in SNAP currently included in the proposal. Seniors and disabled individuals in New York would feel the brunt of that cut due to significant cuts to the "Heat and Eat" program - cuts that could negatively impact some 275,000 New Yorkers across the state, and 190,000 individuals in New York City by limiting their monthly benefits.

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand offered an ammendment on June 6th to the Farm Bill to restore the $4.5 billion in SNAP benefit cuts. Several other amendments to the current proposal will also be up for debate on the senate floor - including some harmful amendments that seek to cut SNAP more deeply.

Now is the time to send a unified message to the Senate that New Yorkers support programs that help low income residents access healthy, affordable food.

Email your senator today!