One in eight Americans were not sure they would be able to put food on their tables, one in eight Americans.

USDA research has found that veterans in particular face a greater risk for food insecurity than non-veterans.

We support enhanced funding for EQIP as well as better targeting the program toward areas of opportunity for dairy.

I believe wholeheartedly in the mission of SNAP, the life-changing impact it has on recipients.

Last year, USDA announced that it would be investing $464 million into projects to build and improve renewable energy infrastructure and to help rural communities, agricultural producers, and businesses lower energy costs.

We can improve outcomes for Americans facing food insecurity.

My district is a leader in climate-smart agriculture. Our producers run small, diversified farms and often use ecofriendly practices.

I hear from producers in my district, most of whom are small, family-owned operations, that they lack the capacity to interface with Federal assistance programs.

Encouraging more people from every background to go into farming is also key to ensuring we have a strong agricultural system for many decades to come.

We can and we must do better.

The 2023 Farm Bill will not be like any other farm bill. It will be a seminal historic piece of legislation.

Increased SNAP costs are also due to continued COVID-19 relief, which is tied to the end of the public health emergency.

As stated in my written statement, current make allowances are based on 2006 and 2007 costs which are now more than 15 years old.

How can Congress reduce barriers for underrepresented farmers--for young, BIPOC, minorities farmers.

We ask that you include this additional critical funding to ensure food-insecure families can put food on the table.

How can Congress help these unique, nontraditional operations?

SNAP is a highly responsive program which serves as a stabilizer in times of economic downturn.

It is clear that SNAP works, and it works for our entire economy from farmers to consumers.

SNAP is also a highly responsive means-tested program, which serves as a stabilizer in times of economic downturn.

Title I subsidies, along with non-farm bill assistance programs, are a critical economic safety net for the farmers in my district that can access them.

In my first year in Congress, I co-led the Clean School Bus Act of 2019 (H.R. 3973) with now Vice President Kamala Harris.

Outside of this Committee, I have worked tirelessly to expand access to electric vehicles.

We are so excited to have you join us, and I am overjoyed to be able to host you for your first Agriculture Committee activity.

This hearing of the Subcommittee on Nutrition, Oversight, and Department Operations entitled, Review of USDA Nutrition Distribution Programs, will come to order.

Thank you to each of our witnesses for joining us today. I appreciate you taking time out of your schedules to provide us with your expertise.