D.C. Hunger Solutions Calls for Additional Investments to End Hunger in Our Nation’s Capital

Media Contact:  
Brittani Riddle 
202-640-1089, ext. 3039 
briddle@frac.org 

Statement Attributable to LaMonika N. Jones, Interim Director of D.C. Hunger Solutions 

WASHINGTON, March 23, 2023 — D.C. Hunger Solutions (DCHS) calls for further investments in the District and other critical actions in the proposed FY 2024 Fair Shot Budget. While the proposed budget includes funding for much-needed full grocery store access in the East Capitol Gateway to serve Wards 7 and 8 and increased funding for Produce RX and the Joyful Food Market, additional investments are needed to ensure all District residents have access to healthy affordable food. Amid rising food costs and the recent ending of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP) Emergency Allotments many D.C. residents are experiencing a hunger cliff.   

We continue to advocate for support and full funding for critical legislation to address food insecurity, including:  

• Give SNAP A Raise Amendment Act of 2022 — to increase the minimum monthly SNAP payment guaranteed to all participants, while providing local funds to increase SNAP benefits to match food expenses under the Low-Cost Food Plan set by the Food and Nutrition Service at U.S. Department of Agriculture; 
• No Senior Hunger Omnibus Act — to address food insecurity among older adults by connecting them to available food services and federal nutrition programs; and 
• Universal Free School Meals Amendment Act of 2023 — to provides universal free school meals and afterschool snacks to public school, public charter school, and participating private school students in the District of Columbia. 

Hunger is a critical issue in our city. We remain hopeful that further investments will be included in the budget to address food insecurity and take steps to end hunger in our nation’s capital. 

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About D.C. Hunger Solutions 
D.C. Hunger Solutions, founded in 2002 as an initiative of the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC), works to create a hunger-free community and improve the nutrition, health, economic security, and well-being of low-income people in the District of Columbia. To learn more about D.C. Hunger Solutions, visit www.dchunger.org