Advocate

We want to do all we can to prevent further reduction in food and ensure that all South Dakotans can thrive.

Food insecurity is a nonpartisan issue that transcends political parties and exists in all congressional districts across the U.S. It will take all of us coming together—people experiencing food insecurity, policymakers, communities, partners and donors—to end hunger.

URGENT ACTION IS NEEDED

Congress must pass legislation to fund the federal government by Tuesday, September 30 to avoid a government shutdown on Wednesday, October 1.  A shutdown that lasts longer than a few days could impact federal contractors and federal employees - including our military, and people receiving support from SNAP, WIC, and other federal nutrition programs. Feeding South Dakota could be impacted by new or increased need for food assistance and disruption in USDA food inventory delivery.

Urge our Members of congress to reach a bipartisan funding agreement to prevent a government shutdown. 

Federal Advocacy

Federal nutrition programs matter to families who need help putting food on the table, kids who only get regular meals at school, and food banks that receive food. They are only as strong as the support they receive on Capitol Hill, and we invite you to raise your voice and help us bring an end to hunger.

Our Priorities:

(Updated 9.30.25)

Urge lawmakers to fully fund The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) storage and distribution grants, the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). These programs are funded through the annual agriculture appropriations bill, which means their budgets are debated by Congress every year. 

(Updated 9.30.25)

The Farm Bill

The farm bill governs many nutrition and agriculture programs, and it is up for renewal. This legislation allocates funding for The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Together these programs help to bridge the food gap for millions of families and individuals facing hunger across the country. Feeding South Dakota supports the following priorities in a farm bill:

  • Increase TEFAP funding to support the US agriculture economy and help food banks be ready to serve
  • Reauthorize and streamline CSFP to help seniors facing hunger

  • Ensure SNAP's purchasing power remains strong to support local economies and provide support to families

     

  • Communication Templates:
    Farm Bill Priorities

 

The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)

TEFAP moves food from farms to food banks to individuals and families facing hunger. The USDA's decision in April, 2025 to permanently discontinue Commodity Credit Corporation funded foods through The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) resulted in an immediate cancellation of food scheduled for delivery to Feeding South Dakota - a 1.5 million pound annual impact to our food inventory. 

 

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Budget reconciliation legislation that was signed into law in July, the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBB), contains the biggest cuts to SNAP in the history of the program. We do not yet have a complete picture of how the new law will impact the communities we serve, but we are preparing for an increase in need as South Dakotans transition off of the program. 

In September, Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Senate Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Rep. Jahana Hayes (D-CT), and House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Angie Craig (D-MN) drafted the “Restoring Food Security for American Families and Farmers Act of 2025.” This farm bill marker bill would repeal the SNAP cuts. 

Contact our members of Congress and urge them to support this legislation. Reversing these cuts will protect South Dakota families and others who are struggling against hunger. 

Send a Letter

Outline the importance of food access by sending a USPS letter to Leader Thune, Senator Rounds, and Congressman Johnson. Letters should be sent to their Washington, D.C. office address and copies can be sent to their South Dakota offices. Use one of our templates, or write your own, and share why you want food insecurity to matter to them.

Senator John Thune

Senator Mike Rounds

Congressman Dusty Johnson

Email Our Delegation

An email will get your message delivered quickly! Typically received by staff members, emails get your message across in a timely manner and are more likely to receive a response. Email messages are submitted on each member's website and ask for a variety of information from you. Use one of our letter templates for your message or write your own. 

Senator John Thune

Senator Mike Rounds

Congressman Dusty Johnson

Call Congress

Although answered by staff, a call creates an official record and is the most effective way to influence policy. Be sure to identify yourself as a constituent, use your own words to deliver a personalized message, and clearly state what action you would like the representative to take. Leave a voicemail message if your call isn't answered so that your feedback is logged.

Senator John Thune, Washington D.C. Office: (866) 850-3855

Senator Mike Rounds, Washington D.C. Office: (844) 875-5268

Congressman Dusty Johnson, Washington D.C. Office: (855) 225-2801

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