Back Washington's new farm bill

To the editor:

Having lived in the Bronx my whole life, it’s only been the last few years that I’ve realized something called the farm bill is so important to everyday life in a city like ours.

Among its many provisions, the farm bill funds and creates essential policies for U.S. farmers, as well as humanitarian food programs at home and abroad. Here at home, for instance, the bill authorizes the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or food stamps).

The current farm bill, the 2018 Farm Act, expires at the end of 2023.

Both chambers of Congress are currently crafting legislation for a new five-year farm and food security bill.

Given that about one-third of the people in Bronx use SNAP, I urge The Riverdale Press and all its readers to call on Congressman Ritchie Torres and Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand and Chuck Schumer to weigh in and support a farm bill that’s good for U.S. farmers, our neighbors, and global peace and security.

Lois Harr