NTFB Joined Feeding America in Washington D.C. to Advocate for Anti-Hunger Policies
North Texas Food Bank and partner pantries tell lawmakers access to SNAP is critical as neighbors work toward self-sufficiency.
Empowering the Masses Founder Tammy Johnson told lawmakers her own story is a testament to the power of supporting neighbors.
She joined Feeding America and North Texas Food Bank staff as well as Josh Stevens, Director of Seven Loaves Food Pantry at The Storehouse Community Center, in early March in Washington D.C. to advocate for a strong Farm Bill that supports hunger relief.
“I was brought up in poverty—not because my mom wanted that but because she had no other option,” Tammy says. It was because of the support of food pantries and eventually an opportunity that paved the way for a brighter future that Tammy broke the cycle.
At her organization, that’s what Tammy works to offer neighbors. In addition to food, neighbors can enroll in phlebotomy and health worker training classes so they can earn a living wage. “We’re not just signing people up for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) or handing out food. We’re giving them a hand up,” she says.
Tammy Johnson, Founder and Executive Director of Empowering the Masses
SNAP is the nation’s most efficient anti-hunger program, says NTFB Government Relations Officer Clarissa Clarke. It provides grocery benefits that are timely, targeted and temporary to help people buy the food they need for healthy lives. And nearly 80% of households that receive SNAP include children, older adults or people with disabilities.
“SNAP recipients who can work, do work,” Clarissa says. “SNAP helps people paid low wages afford food and continue to work.”
Josh Stevens, of The Storehouse, agrees and says he shared with lawmakers that they serve around 5,000 neighbors each month, including working families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities, all struggling with food insecurity.
“Many come to us in work uniforms, highlighting that having a job doesn’t always mean financial stability,” he says. “Rising costs are creating financial strain for more families, making food access increasingly important.”
Like Empowering the Masses, The Storehouse offers neighbors education and pathways to living-wage employment so they can move toward self-sufficiency.
Clarissa, who was joined in Washington by NTFB Chief External Affairs Officer Erica Yaeger and NTFB intern Aryan Verma, also wanted lawmakers to know that SNAP supports the economy. Every SNAP dollar spent generates an estimated $1.54 in economic activity.
By supporting a strong Farm Bill, the group told lawmakers that they can protect funds for SNAP and The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), which are lifelines for neighbors.
“When families can meet their basic needs, they free up resources for housing, utilities, and medical care, reducing strain on healthcare and social services,” Josh says. “Cuts to these programs would leave millions vulnerable. Investing in food security strengthens communities and has a lasting economic return.”
The group met with staff and representatives from the offices of Rep. Beth Van Duyne, Rep. Marc Veasey, Rep. Keith Self, Rep. Pat Fallon, Rep. Lance Gooden, Rep. Jake Ellzey, Rep. Julie Johnson, Rep. Jasmine Crockett and Senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn.
Josh Stevens, Director of Seven Loaves Food Pantry at The Storehouse Community Center