On Thursday, the U.S. House passed a “split” version of the Farm Bill, which since 1973 has always included funding for food and nutrition programs, including food stamps and the current Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Below is reaction from our friends at Nebraska Appleseed.

Here is coverage of Thursday’s vote by Dana Milbank of The Washington Post.

In response to the passage of the House’s version of the Farm Bill, Nebraska Appleseed Executive Director Rebecca Gould, issued the following statement:

“It is unfortunate that today the House passed a Farm Bill that did not include the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provisions. This raises serious concerns about the future of SNAP, which is a critical support for thousands of hard-working Nebraskans and the 80,000 children in our state who use the program to access nutritious food.  For years the Farm Bill has included provisions relating both to agriculture and food and nutrition programs, ensuring stability for our farmers and ranchers and vital nutritional support for our low-income families. This historical unity is sensible because our agricultural policies affect the cost of food and people’s access to it through nutrition programs.

“While the Farm Bill is clearly very important for Nebraska, SNAP is a vital support for thousands of Nebraskans who struggle with food insecurity.  When Congress returns its attention to SNAP, they must ensure its continued vitality and avoid cuts that would harm our state.  We call upon them to protect the Nebraska families that are helped by this program.”