Congress passes $200 million emergency food bill

Steven Taylor, vice president and counsel for Public Policy for United Way Worldwide, writes, “I’m pleased to let you all know that Congress voted to approve $200 million for fiscal year 2010 for the Emergency Food and Shelter Program. The funding was included in the Homeland Security Appropriations bill, passed by the House in October and approved by the Senate. The President is expected to sign the bill into law soon.

“While this is the same level of funding as last year, it was very much of an uphill battle. Because an additional $100 million was provided for EFSP in 2009 via the American Response and Recovery Act, the Administration proposed reducing funding for EFSP to $100 million for 2010.

“Thus, United Way and our EFSP partners had to engage in an extensive advocacy campaign to ensure Congress would maintain the funding level. Many of you weighed in with your Senators and Members and deserve credit for securing the funding.

“Among our national partners, we owe a debt of thanks to United Jewish Communities, which led our coalition to secure the funding. Finally, the EFSP team at UWW went above and beyond in providing data and information necessary for our advocacy. Thanks to everyone.

“I’ve learned from past experience that this e-mail will generate a barrage of questions to Sharon Bailey, who runs the national EFSP program at UWW, about timing. Compared to recent years, this is early for Congress to appropriate EFSP funding. However, it takes several months for all the necessary steps to take place. UWW will begin this phase as quickly as possible, but many of the steps just take time. The EFSP staff will be in touch with Local EFSP Boards about the process. Please be patient. Thanks, Steve.”