WASHINGTON – A coalition of Catholic groups led by U.S. bishops is urging Congress to boost federal nutrition and agriculture programs in the 2027 agriculture spending bill.
one in joint letter On April 28, bishops and Catholic aid organizations warned that rising food insecurity, cuts in nutrition aid, and instability in international food aid programs are putting vulnerable families at greater risk, both in the United States and abroad.
The letter was signed by leaders of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Catholic Charities USA, Catholic Relief Services, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, and Catholic Rural Life.
“It is difficult for many people to make ends meet and families need help,” the organizations wrote, citing the U.S. Department of Agriculture. data It shows that 13.7% of American households will experience food insecurity at some point in 2024. The letter also said that grocery prices expected Growth will continue in 2026 despite slower inflation than in previous years.
Rep. Andy Harris, R-Maryland, chairman of the Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies, said in a statement that the USCCB “should spend time suggesting how to pay for the hundreds of billions of dollars of additional spending they are recommending in their letter.”
“Does he have any opinion on the ‘moral dimension’ of leaving future generations to pay the additional costs of a $2 trillion deficit and $37 trillion federal debt?” He continued. “What is the ‘human dimension’ of advocating that able-bodied adults (who are not caring for others but also do not want to work 20 hours a week) receive welfare benefits, the costs of which must be borne by others who choose to work?”
He asked why the bishops “are not advocating for the states to play a larger role in these issues, consistent with federalism?”
Food is a ‘human right’
Catholic leaders framed the issue not simply as a political or economic debate but as a moral responsibility rooted in Catholic social teaching.
The letter cites Pope Leo XIV said That “only through honesty and sustained collaboration can we build fair and accessible food security for all.”
The appeal comes during a month in which Pope Leo has focused the church’s attention directly on hunger. The purpose of the Pontiff’s prayer for May is that “everyone has quality food every day”, calling on Catholics around the world to pray and work toward an end to hunger and food insecurity.
Speaking to EWTN News, Julie Bodnar, policy advisor in the USCCB’s Office of Domestic Social Development, described access to food as a “human right.”
“We need to make sure that we’re giving people the kinds of tools they need to live up to their human dignity,” he said. “The intention of the Pope’s prayer this month perfectly matches this appeal. The bishops have always advocated protecting the poor and vulnerable and ensuring that everyone has the right to adequate nutrition.”
Catechism of the Catholic Church Teaches: “Concern for the health of its citizens requires society to help them achieve living conditions that will allow them to grow and reach maturity: food and clothing, housing, health care, basic education, employment, and social assistance.”
Society of St. Vincent de Paul USA (SVDP), which operates thousands of food pantries, meal sites and food programs across the country, highlighted the growing need for assistance.
The organization said in a statement that it had seen an increase in requests for support as “more than 47 million people in the US are struggling to put food on the table, and the rising cost of food is only exacerbating their financial stress.”
“The Vincentian perspective can better inform policy making as a result of the direct and daily experience of our more than 80,000 volunteers with people in need,” the statement added. “We repeat the message of the Holy Father world food day In which he said that ‘no one can remain on the sidelines in the fight against hunger.’
Catholic Charities USA, Catholic Relief Services and Catholic Rural Life did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The coalition urged lawmakers to maintain, and in many cases increase, funding for federal nutrition programs, including the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP).
The SVDP said: “At a minimum, Congress should provide level funding for these life-sustaining programs and oppose any proposed funding cuts.”
Bodnar focused on WIC’s assistance to needy families. He said, “The bishops are extremely grateful that WIC has been funded by lawmakers for the past several years, even when it seemed it would be very difficult to do so.”
Maintaining full funding for WIC, he said, would help preserve the program’s fruit and vegetable benefits, which he said would be affected under the House proposal.
The letter also called for continued support for rural housing programs, conservation initiatives, and international food efforts such as Food for Peace Title II and the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education Program.
Particular concern was expressed over recent cuts and structural changes enacted through SNAP tax overhaul Enacted in July 2025 as well as on administrative actions affecting school meals, food banks, conservation efforts, and international aid.
Catholic organizations asked Congress to “protect programs that Congress has authorized and funded in the past from harmful administrative actions and protect against further cuts that harm hungry people and the farmers who feed them.”
The groups additionally advocated for increased flexibility in SNAP work requirements, stronger support for food banks, expanded access to nutrition assistance for immigrants and refugees lawfully present in the US, and increased funding for sustainable agriculture initiatives.
At the same time, the letter reaffirmed the Church’s pro-life teaching, arguing that support for women, children, and families cannot be separated from broader efforts to promote human dignity. The coalition urged Congress to “protect the dignity and sanctity of human life in all situations and stages” while opposing policies that would expand access to chemical abortion.
The US House is expected to consider the agriculture appropriations bill after the House Appropriations Committee allowed It will happen in a 35-25 vote on April 29.
According to the committee, the legislation would provide approximately $26.27 billion in discretionary funding, slightly below fiscal year 2026 levels. Republican leadership has touted the bill as fiscally responsible legislation that prioritizes farmers, rural communities and nutrition programs. However, Democratic members of the committee have criticized The proposal argues that it would increase costs for American farmers and reduce aid to rural communities.
Separately, lawmakers are considering a farm bill with overlap in nutrition and agriculture policies.
