Episode 159: SNAP and WIC: Food and hunger program that people need to support
About the Podcast
Dive into the intricate world of government relations with Scott Carter, President and Chief Strategy Officer of Conduit Government Relations. Join us as Scott shares his wealth of experience to gain a deeper understanding about SNAP and WIC.
About Scott Carter
Scott Carter is the President and Chief Strategy Officer of Conduit Government Relations. Scott has worked on different high-profile national issues and done local initiatives such as community gardens, farmers markets, and regional food systems to support access to nutritious food for people living in low-income communities.
Discussion Takeaways
- Scott is the President and Chief Strategy Officer of Conduit Government Relations. It is a boutique firm specializing in government relations that ensures client meet their strategic priorities in federal government relations and communications.
- SNAP and WIC are examples of government nutrition programs. SNAP, or the Supplement Nutrition Assistance Program, is a hunger program. WIC - Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a nutrition program.
- SNAP is to ensure people can purchase food. People need not be embarrassed to take advantage of this program, and people need to support it.
- Scott learned one of the big lessons. Know the programs. Know what these programs do and what these programs invest.
- States could do much better on outreach for SNAP. One of the major activities that needs to happen is to increase education in outreach. Let people know where to go and how the programs work.
- Scott's advice for people fighting for the improvement of the current systems in the food and nutrition space:
If you are a grassroots organization, know the program, how, and who runs it. Find out who makes those policies and what leverage you can utilize to change.
The big players are working to change how the nutrition programs are working. They are trying to get new pilots. Know how to affect those. Become the expert. Know your game and know how to influence it.
- Food sustainability is nutrition security. If we are investing our tax dollars, you should ask your Food Bank how they spend your money.
- Nutrition programs should support our local farmers in our backyard because if we can sustain our local agriculture economy, that is nutrition security and food security for everyone.
- Food dignity means you have the choice and access to utilize that choice, and you have the flexibility when you want to do the first two.
#1 tip to improve access to healthy food
Choice, access, and flexibility are crucial. Whether it's a single mom juggling jobs or anyone striving for means, allowing people to conduct business and seek assistance without judgment is vital.
Each week on the Food Dignity® Podcast, the Food Dignity® Movement's Clancy Harrison hosts a wide variety of hunger experts and other people making changes on the frontlines. Join us as we dive deep into conversations that will change the way you think about food insecurity.
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