Rep. Rosa DeLauro, David Beckmann, and Others Stand in Support of SNAP

Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-3) speaks at a press conference about the importance of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, along with (left to right) Elise Gould, Tara Marks, Donna Cooper, and David Beckmann. Photo by Kristen Youngblood/Bread for the World.

While some politicians have attacked the relevance of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly food stamps) during the ongoing election campaign, today on Capitol Hill a panel of economists, policy makers, and a former food stamp recipient emphasized the life-saving value of the program.

Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-3) was joined by Rev. David Beckmann, president of Bread for the World; Elise Gould of the Economic Policy Institute; Donna Cooper of the Center for American Progress; and Tara Marks, a former SNAP recipient and activist from Pittsburgh, PA. They all gathered to clarify the importance of SNAP benefits for the American people, particularly during a recession.

“Just like unemployment insurance, food stamps bridge the gap to help families make ends meet,” said Congresswoman DeLauro, a longtime SNAP supporter. “As the economy improves and families get back on their feet, the costs of food stamps will decrease again. This is the entire essence of a social safety net.”

Tara Marks, a longtime Bread for the World supporter, said that she agreed with Rep. DeLauro. Marks’ personal experience with hunger and poverty led her to advocate for policies that will help make a difference for vulnerable people.

 “I know firsthand the benefits of safety-net programs because I was once a recipient,” said Marks. “There were times when I wouldn’t eat so my son could. Fortunately, programs like SNAP were available so that we did not have to go hungry for long.”

Watch this video about Tara Marks, and learn how you can contact your members of Congress about creating a circle of protection around programs that help poor and hungry people.

Jeannie Choi is associate editor at Bread for the World. Follow her on Twitter @jeanniechoi.