Advocacy & Policy

Fighting Hunger Through Advocacy

Ending hunger requires more than providing meals. It requires policies that strengthen food access, support local agriculture, and help families build stable, healthy lives. Facing Hunger Foodbank works alongside community leaders, elected officials, healthcare providers, farmers, and hunger-relief organizations to advocate for policies that improve food security throughout West Virginia, Kentucky, and the nation.

Our Commitment

Facing Hunger Foodbank is committed to being a trusted voice for individuals and families experiencing food insecurity. Through advocacy, education, and community partnership, we work to advance policies that increase food access, strengthen local food systems, support farmers, and ensure every person has the opportunity to thrive.

Our Policy Priorities

  • Protect and Restore Local Food Purchasing Programs: Programs such as the Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) Cooperative Agreement Program connect food banks with local farmers while increasing access to fresh, nutritious food.
  • Strengthen TEFAP and CSFP: The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) and the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) provide vital food resources. We support increased investment in these programs.
  • Protect and Strengthen SNAP: SNAP remains one of the nation's most effective anti-hunger programs. We support policies that strengthen access to SNAP and minimize barriers.
  • Support a Strong, Bipartisan Farm Bill: We support legislation that protects SNAP, increases investments in TEFAP, supports local farmers, and expands food access.
  • Invest in Programs that Feed Children: We support funding for backpack feeding programs, summer nutrition initiatives, and expanding access to summer meal benefits.
  • Reduce Barriers to Food Assistance: Policies should preserve dignity, expand access, and improve program efficiency without creating unnecessary stigma or administrative burdens.
  • Address the Cliff Effect: We support solutions that create smoother transitions for hardworking families moving toward long-term self-sufficiency without risking sudden loss of food access.
  • Support Local Food and Urban Agriculture: We support community gardens, urban agriculture initiatives, and local food projects.
  • Ensure Clear Guidance for States and Communities: We advocate for transparency and collaboration that allows hunger-relief organizations to adapt to evolving federal assistance programs.

“I am a 27-year-old single mother of one girl. I am a full-time worker but I still struggle financially at times. I don’t receive child support at all due to the father being incarcerated. This is the third time we have gotten food, we greatly appreciate it. Thank you!”

– Morgan, Pantry Guest