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Introducing the First Focus Ambassadors for Children Network: a movement of committed advocates who serve as a voice for children in the United States
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Here you can find the monthly action for May 2026
Congress Moves Forward While Children Fall Behind
The House of Representatives recently passed a Farm Bill that ignores the imminent crisis confronting states starting this fall, when they will be faced with enormous new Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) costs under H.R. 1. The cost-shift will directly affect the 16 million children who rely on SNAP because many states will be forced to reduce benefits, limit enrollment, or withdraw from the program altogether. At a time when roughly 1-in-5 children in the United States already faces food insecurity, these changes risk deepening hunger and hardship for families nationwide.
The Republican and Democratic governors of all 50 states have asked Congress to address this problem. It is critical that when the Senate takes up the House-passed Farm Bill, they include a delay of this cost-shift so that states have more time to prepare.
Why This Matters for Children
- Cuts to SNAP threaten children’s daily nutrition, which is essential for healthy development, learning, and long-term well-being.
- States may struggle to maintain support systems, leading to reduced access to basic needs for millions of children.
Children cannot advocate for themselves in these policy debates. Your outreach helps ensure their needs are heard and prioritized.
Take Action
Call or email your Senators today.
Urge them to:
- Delay the SNAP cost shift to states
- Protect and strengthen SNAP to ensure children have reliable access to food
Suggested message:
Hello, my name is [Your Name], and I’m a constituent and a First Focus on Children Ambassador. I’m calling to urge the Senator to protect children’s food security.
As you consider farm legislation, please bear in mind there is an imminent crisis affecting the children in our state when the SNAP cost shift goes into effect this fall. Please ensure that any farm legislation the Senate passes includes a delay of this shift, as our governor has requested. As your constituent, I do not want you to support the House-passed Farm Bill or any other farm legislation unless a delay is included.
Going forward, please protect children’s programs like SNAP from further cuts and please make children a top priority in your funding and policy decisions. Thank you.