Rep. Cisneros Cosponsors Legislation to Combat Food Insecurity and Help 39th District Families

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Representative Gilbert R. Cisneros, Jr. (CA-39) cosponsored new legislation that would combat food insecurity and help families in the 39th District. The Emergency SNAP Flexibilities Extension Act (H.R. 7794) would allow states to extend administrative flexibilities for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), authorized by Congress in the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). 

“The prolonged uncertainty of this pandemic has left countless families struggling to put food on the table. No person should go hungry,” said Rep. Cisneros. “This legislation makes much-needed changes that will increase access to CalFresh and help 39th District families, including children, seniors, and people with disabilities, ensure they have enough to eat. It would also support food banks like Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County in their mission to end hunger and be a resource to our community.”

The legislation would allow states to extend SNAP certification periods, adjust periodic reporting and interview requirements through June 30, 2021 without having to gain USDA approval. It would also enable states to use simplified reporting in lieu of the regular recertification requirements for some, or all, of their recertifications through December 31, 2021 to address the potential surge of new cases and renewals.

The bill comes as USDA has recently denied or delayed extending such waivers. Additionally, USDA announced on July 21 that the Department is unlikely to extend these waivers for the majority of states starting in September 2020.