American Heart Association Urges Congress to Strengthen Nutrition Programs in Farm Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C., March 3, 2026 — As the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture begins marking up farm bill reauthorization legislation, the American Heart Association (AHA) is calling on lawmakers to prioritize access to nutritious foods and strengthen federal nutrition programs. The farm bill, with nutrition programs constituting over four-fifths of its cost, presents a critical opportunity to improve the health and well-being of Americans.
Key Provisions Supported by the AHA
The AHA expressed encouragement regarding several provisions in the House Agriculture Committee’s legislative text. These include:
- Eliminating the match requirement for high-poverty areas in the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP): This change aims to expand access to fresh, healthy foods in underserved communities.
- Granting permanent authority for the SNAP online pilot: Extending this pilot program nationwide would broaden access to healthy food options through online purchasing.
Concerns Regarding SNAP Cuts
Despite these positive steps, the AHA voiced disappointment over the bill’s failure to address cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and SNAP Education (SNAP-Ed) enacted in the One Big Gorgeous Bill Act. The AHA emphasizes the importance of reversing these cuts to restore access to nutritious foods for vulnerable populations.
The Importance of SNAP and SNAP-Ed
The AHA asserts that Congressional action is crucial to prevent further barriers to healthy food access for individuals and families. SNAP and SNAP-Ed play a vital role in supporting the health of millions, including children, older adults, people with disabilities, individuals with chronic conditions, and working families.
AHA’s Call to Action
The American Heart Association urges lawmakers to prioritize health by passing a farm bill that:
- Elevates the needs of people across the country.
- Restores SNAP and SNAP-Ed funding.
- Rejects provisions that jeopardize access to nutritious foods.
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities and has been a leading source of health information for over a century. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, the AHA funds research, advocates for public health, and provides resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke.
For Media Inquiries: Arielle Beer: arielle.beer@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org