Rural communities play a crucial role in producing food for our country, yet these same communities experience high rates of food insecurity. And that gap in nutrition is leading to more and larger medical bills.

Research shows when families have consistent access to nutritious food, their overall health is better. A lack of access to healthy food is tied to chronic illnesses and increased mental health issues, leading to more medications, higher health care costs and, ultimately, less money to buy food. In 2021, around 11% of rural households were food insecure. Health challenges like diabetes, asthma and depression are directly linked to food insecurity.

But lawmakers can help: Improving the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) means more families will have access to the food they need, which could help lower their health care costs. Congress has the opportunity to help rural communities thrive by strengthening SNAP provisions in the 2023 Farm Bill including:

• Ensuring SNAP’s purchasing power aligns with grocery prices and provides adequate support during tough economic times.

• Improving SNAP access for older adults, college students, veterans, working families, residents and others who do not qualify for or are unable to participate in SNAP due to eligibility and enrollment barriers.

• Helping more military families access SNAP benefits by excluding the Basic Allowance for Housing from the gross income calculation for SNAP eligibility.

• Supporting SNAP choice and focusing on ensuring affordable access to nutritious foods.

• Adequately funding and improving state employment and training programs.

• Ensuring people receiving SNAP benefits can access training opportunities that align with best practices.

• Preventing the expansion of SNAP work requirements, to support participants as they find work.

SNAP is an effective solution for addressing food insecurity and its health repercussions in rural communities. SNAP beneficiaries can save around $1,400 per year in health care costs.

We must support communities that lack access to food. It’s time our lawmakers close the gap in nutrition by strengthening SNAP benefits in the Farm Bill.

Sign the petition to Congress: Help rural communities thrive by strengthening SNAP in the 2023 Farm Bill.