Jackie Walorski

Thank you for the opportunity to testify this afternoon on government duplication and unmet needs in Federal food assistance programs.

Government can't and should not be expected to deal with this significant issue on its own.

Is there any sense of stewardship on the government's--from the government's perspective once somebody is on SNAP...

Let's continue this conversation and begin to understand how to best serve all families because we can always do better.

How do we ensure that, and what does this program do?

I think what we saw here today is exactly why we need to have this discussion.

Somehow we have determined that punishing people with hunger will motivate them towards employment.

Everybody needs help some time.

I urge you to protect SNAP funding as it is an effective way to give parents the power to feed their families.

I appreciate your expertise in looking at this process.

The program lacks a clear mission and the data reveals that it is not helping lift people out of poverty.

I am absolutely thrilled that you are here. This makes my entire week.

Do we mandate---- Does the Federal Government mandate--have we ever mandated that somebody seriously track these families...

If this Committee could do one thing, just one, if there was one thing we could do that would allow you to better connect with our program as it is right now, what would you suggest?

Funding for these programs is wholly inadequate.

If we can't fulfill this promise, we should provide seniors with SNAP benefits sufficient to be healthy.

Today is about understanding those families in need. Who they are, what has brought them to the program, and how long they have remained in the program so we better understand how to serve them.

I know what starvation looks like and how it affects families and communities.

Cutting funding for SNAP... would not only harm millions of our neediest citizens but also would overwhelm states and charities.

When I read that one in six Americans is hungry, it reaffirmed my commitment to ensure no child or adult endures what I've seen others go through.

I appreciate it. I look forward to the continued dialogue.

SNAP is operating to combat hunger and poverty during periods of economic hardship as Congress intended.

Thank you for your leadership in working to strengthen America's Federal nutrition programs.

I urge you and your Congressional colleagues to continue the bipartisan support of the SNAP program.

Food ought to be a right, and this is a program that works.