What does the $1.9 trillion stimulus bill do for the food system?

The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, otherwise known as the $1.9 trillion stimulus bill has lots of bits and pieces to strengthen elements of the food system.

This bill:

• Extends the 15% increase in SNAP benefits through September 30, 2021
• Makes more SNAP benefits available to Puerto Rico, Samoa, Marianas
• Increases support for WIC, especially for fruit and vegetable purchases
• Continues Pandemic-EBT (free meals for school children excluded from schools)
• Provides funds for debt relief and outreach for socially disadvantaged farmers
• Establishes a new grant program for restaurants and bars to meet payroll and other expenses
• Expands income support for families with children through tax credits for child care and earned income

In addition, the Biden Administrration has done some other things to reduce food insecurity

• Extends state waivers for free school meals through summer 2021

What’s still needed:

• A comprehensive plan for creating a food system that promotes health and sustainability
• Universal school meals
• Universal Basic Income

Some of these new measures are steps in that direction.  They just need to be continued.  Advocate!