Call to Action: Urge Congress to Support the WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program
By: Ben Feldman, Executive Director Posted On: April 13, 2021
Together, we can stand up for WIC FMNP and increased access to fresh produce nationwide!
On Friday, the White House issued its FY2022 budget proposal, which signals the beginning of the Appropriations process. While setting funding levels belongs to Congress, not the President, the budget proposal is important as it signals the priorities of the current Administration.
Members of Congress also have ways to signal their individual priorities for the annual Appropriations process. One way is through what’s known as a “Dear Colleague” Letter. These letters are circulated among members of Congress for sign ons and are then delivered to the House or Senate Appropriations Committees to encourage the outcome of the process.
Over the last few years, the Farmers Market Coalition has worked with Representatives Barbara Lee (CA-13), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand on letters in support of the WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program. Last year, FMC’s advocacy resulted in the program’s first funding increase in 5 years. Though this was a win for farmers markets, many states are still unable to participate due to limited federal funding.
Join FMC’s advocacy efforts by contacting your House and Senate Representatives and asking them to sign on and support farmers markets and communities by increasing funding for the WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program. Make your voice heard today!
Not sure what to say? Use our script and make contacting your legislators with this request quick and easy. Together, we can stand up for WIC FMNP and increased access to fresh produce nationwide!
May 2021 update: The deadline for members in the house to sign on passed on April 23rd, but the Senate letter remains open through May 10th.
Click here to read the House version of the Dear Colleague Letter.
SAMPLE SCRIPT:
“I am calling/writing today to express my support for the WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program and to encourage Representative/Senator __________ to sign on to a Dear Colleague letter in support of the program that is being circulated by the offices of Representatives Barbara Lee and Adriano Espaillat/Senator Kirsten Gillebrand .
The WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program provides critical access to fresh fruits and vegetables for millions of low income shoppers while increasing market opportunities to tens of thousands of independent, American farmers. [Insert any information you have about the impact of WIC FMNP at your local market or in the representative’s specific district].
Thank you and I hope that Representative/Senator __________ will sign on to this important letter in support of the WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program.”
