Washington, D.C. – January 10, 2019 – The American Heart Association issued the following statement in response to the House of Representatives passing an appropriations bill to fund the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Included in this bill is funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), school meals, and other critical nutrition programs, which were set to lose funding next month due to the partial government shutdown. Earlier this week, USDA officials announced they would be able to fund these programs through February:

“We are pleased the House passed a bill that would ensure ongoing funding for SNAP and other federal programs critical to low-income people who rely on them to keep food on the table for their families. The House bill would also fund important nutrition programs such as the National School Lunch Program; the School Breakfast Program; the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC); SNAP-Ed and the Child and Adult Care Feeding Program (CACFP), among others, for the remainder of FY2019. We urge the Senate to take up this appropriations bill to confirm funding for these programs.

“We are thankful that USDA found funding for these programs through February in spite of the partial government shutdown, but this is only a short-term solution. States and beneficiaries of these essential programs continue to face great uncertainty. We call on Congress and the administration to resolve their differences in a way that does not threaten the health and wellbeing of our nation’s most vulnerable.”

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About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a leading force for a world of longer, healthier lives. With nearly a century of lifesaving work, the Dallas-based association is dedicated to ensuring equitable health for all. We are a trustworthy source empowering people to improve their heart health, brain health and well-being. We collaborate with numerous organizations and millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, advocate for stronger public health policies, and share lifesaving resources and information. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.

For media inquiries please contact:
Suniti Bal – 916-390-1860; suniti.bal@heart.org