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Category: Policy & Advocacy

Update on federal budget and WIC funding 

September 21, 2023

The U.S. House of Representatives and Senate are back in session, and the White House has called on Congress to pass a short-term spending bill, known as a continuing resolution. Its passage would avoid a federal government shutdown on Sunday, October 1, and ensure critical federal programs remain funded through the end of 2023.

As part of their budgetary ask, the Biden Administration seeks a boost in funding for WIC and requested an additional $1.4 billion due to higher food costs and participation. If WIC does not receive full funding for 2024, new parents and young children could be waitlisted, while others could see their benefits cut.

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Help strengthen WIC: Advocate for more funding in federal budget

August 24, 2023

The Blueprint’s Federal Policy Committee recently voted to focus on finding champions in Congress to support and advocate for sufficient funding of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) in the U.S. federal budget. This includes partnering with the National WIC Association, Hunger Free Colorado, and others to connect with Colorado’s Members of Congress.

New data show that WIC needs a significant increase in funding – at least $7.2 billion in total this coming fiscal year – to support increased participation and provide full benefits to those enrolled across the nation.

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Food & Nutrition in Healthcare coalition forming 

August 24, 2023

With partners and advocates across the state, we’re building a diverse, cross-sector coalition to organize around “food and nutrition in healthcare” policy and program implementation opportunities in Colorado. This work will prioritize food and diet in an individual’s health plan, with the goal of preventing or treating costly chronic health conditions. Such nutrition interventions also can improve household food security and address health disparities.

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Opportunities to give input on proposed Kroger-Albertsons merger

August 10, 2023

Kroger and Albertsons announced a potential $24.6 billion supermarket merger last fall, which would affect consumers, workers, farmers, and suppliers across the nation and in Colorado. Combined, they operate more than 250 King Soopers, City Market, Safeway, and Albertsons grocery stores across the state. They hope to finalize the merger in early 2024 if approved by state and federal regulators.

Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser and the Colorado Department of Law are currently seeking public comment and consumer opinion on the merger. The Blueprint’s Federal Policy Committee is also taking action.

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Sen. Bennet introduces new federal legislation to allow SNAP participants to purchase ready-made food

July 27, 2023

U.S. Senator Michael Bennet recently introduced the Hot Foods Act, which would lift the existing ban on hot foods in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Hunger Free Colorado and Nourish Colorado have led efforts in the state to advocate for greater access for families and individuals to purchase cold-prepared foods, heated foods, and hot meals using SNAP benefits.

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