Department of Veterans Affairs department of Agriculture Programs that identified Food Insecurity among nearly 20 million veterans and provide nutrition assistance to those in need. Specifically todays hearing will focus on how veterans access to nutritional resources and how recent policy changes impact of thimpacted the availaf resources and how congress can more effectively support public and nonpublic agencies that seek to end veteran hunger, so critically important. This continues the subcommittees efforts to the economic factors that contribute to the veteran suicide our subcommittee works and a bipartisan way to strengthen education and job Training Programs for veterans can get a good job but unfortunately that isnt always the outcome the joblessness result wil. When that occurs, nutrition resources should and must be made readily available. However, the committee is concerned about decisions are being made regarding the resources without really considering the impact on veterans. At ththe subcommittee and congrs a whole need to know how the usda consider the effect on veterans as they propose recoup three changes limiting access to the programs last year. If they were not considered, we must understand why they felt that it was unnecessary or that they were unable to do so it is essential that we help the veterans secure them. Theyve screened millions but its unclear how that policy is being carried out and what they are doing when they are identified. The federal and state programs that assist veterans are experiencing hunger can only be utilized if they are aware of them. This is a particularly fitting matter for the subcommittee would spend this congress on policies to improve veterans economic outcomes and ultimately their overall wellness. We have a responsibility to ensure no veteran. Fullstop and the cracks and i look forward to hearing the testimony from Witnesses Today to do just that. I recognize my friend with whom ive worked on a bipartisan basis for five minutes for an opening statement. I want to thank the witnesses as well Food Security for veterans is an essential component and Food Insecurity can be a contributing factor that can be detrimental to a persons Mental Health. Its important for us to evaluate the way we are providing security to ensure that its being provided in the most effective manner to help those who need it the most. Neither of us signed the personal responsibility reconciliation act of 1996 also known as the welfare reform act of 1996 whether that was a bipartisan bill and a good bill in my opinion. But right now states are bypassing the original intent and this was a bipartisan effort to require a work or training for work in exchange for the time related Financial Assistance and also included as a means to reduce the fiscal burden on the federal government and prevent what we now call a multigenerational poverty so we want to prevent most poverty something but again thats what we should be striving for and i know that is your goal as well. The eligibility allows the states to circumvent and ask them to have assistance programs to benefit based on nothing more than an individual receiving a brochure currently u at 2. 9 million ablebodied adults without these methods that participate or not working and the number of people currently participating still exceed the previous session levels and i would like to hear from our panel today on why they think this is happening today with such a low Unemployment Rate why are we seeing so many purchase of continuing to not work with live on these benefits . I would also like to hear from the panel weighs the congress can help lift these people out of poverty and allow them to prosper. With that being said, the Unemployment Rate is now 3. 6 with the veteran Unemployment Rate mr. Chairman and it is obvious the economy is booming. Americans are returning to work in record numbers and encouraging employment is the foundation for the authorization of the program which is why im supportive of the administrations rule on ablebodied adults that implement the work requirements from 1996 held up as the supply we know surprisingly very well about how the program affects veterans. We simply do not have the idea on the veteran using this program or help relevant to become prevalent. You were not here last congress so you may not be aware that despite requests from our side of the aisle the federal government still doesnt require states to conduct meaningful Data Collection on the participants including tracking veteran. I know we have those that are having a hard time because i participated in those standout programs at least on a yearly basis if not tracking the information both congress and the department of agriculture they are left in the dark about how to improve this program. I would like to work with you and our colleagues on the House Agricultural Committee to address the issue by putting in place the requirement for states to track the benefits for veterans and our heroes. My priority, and i know it is yours as well some states already do this but not all. Im grateful to the witnesses for giving an opportunity particularly those involved in the program and i look forward to entering what they believe works, doesnt work and how we can empower those that involve these programs to ensure no one that has served our country goes hungry. That is the bottom line and that is our goal and i think you for holding this hearing and i would yield back the balance of my time. I think the Ranking Member for his remarks and i also have participated in the stand down programs in my district and appreciate the objectives here and look forward to working in a bipartisan basis with acute and would like to recognize my friend the outstanding turn in on the house Veterans Affairs committee for his opening remarks. I was concerned by the changes that took place last year and how particularly if what impact veterans but also active duty, guard and reserve. The guard reservists particularly often face employment challenges, so we need to find out more. We need better data. As with the chair ma chairman ay members of congress, joined in sending the letter to senator on may 242019 reflecting the many concerns without good data we dont know the scope of the program and we need the data that can be done in conjunction with these appointments, but also other interactions like awards, changes in benefits with also local populations by comus students and the Homeless Population students and transitioning veterans. Many questions exist. So i do appreciate you joining us this morning. We are very concerned about how the changes in terms of the benefits are going to affect the foundations veterans active duty guard and reservists. Thank you and i will yield back. I appreciate your interest in the subject and your continued leadership, that brings us to the witnesses. We have two panelists with us today the first representing the administration and the second is made up of nongovernmental policy experts. First i want to think the usda for joining us on this important topic. From the usda we have the administrator for the food and Nutrition Service. We also have doctor tomas the senior medical adviser at the providence va medical center, thanks for being here. Hes accompanied by christine, the cochairperson of the pas ensuring veterans Food Security work great. As you know you will have five minutes for your statement with your full written statement will be added to the record and with that, administrator and yo admiw recognized for five minutes. Make sure your microphone is on. Thank you, mr. Chairman, Ranking Member and members of the subcommittee. Im a administrator of the usda food and Nutrition Service which is responsible for administering the nations nutrition assistance program. Im pleased to be joining my colleagues from the department of Veterans Affairs and appreciate the cooperative relationship we have had in serving veterans together. We all owe a great debt to the veterans who protected and defended our nation. Theyve earned our respect and honor an answers may deserve our support, and if they may face the challenges of life after military service. These programs are not targeted to the veterans specifically, but provides Food Assistance veterans and families may need, particularly in times. The largest program, the supplemental nutrition assistance program, or snap, currently serves about 36 million lowincome americans each month. Since the data suggests about 1. 3 million veterans reported receiving snap and 2017. Let me make clear that because the veteran status is not a condition of the snap eligibility, we do not have that status as a part of the data sets that we used to estimate the impact of the rules. Congress debated the collection of the information in the last farm bill and decided that it wasnt necessary or appropriate at this time, so i will focus on the reform. The goal for these actions is to align the program of a statute established by congress to reduce inequities among participants and encourage households towards selfsufficiency. Of those eligible to receive nutrition assistance should be treated fairly across the country read over the years, states policies that compromise consistency with certain standards defined in a statute or by allowing households in one state to be eligible for snap or to receive the benefits more than other states. Last month, the usda finalized a final rule to help more ablebodied adults between the ages of 18 and 49 who do not have dependent or promising futures to the job training and employment. Is a robust economy, unemployment at a 50 year low of 3. 5 if more than 7. 3 million job openings the no better time to engage this group of participants to get the skills they need to be successful in the job market. This doesnt change the requirements for those that were set in the 1996 welfare reform law and that have been unchanged in every bill since. Time limits do not apply to children. Their parents, pregnant women, the mentally or physically disabled or anyone 50 years of age or older. Importantly the disability exception includes veterans who are totally disabled, permanently homebound or in need of a regular attendance. The subject to the Timeless Elements can receive this in a threeyear pair must they are working, volunteering or participating in training such as the Employment Training program or one of the va Work Programs for at least 20 hours a week. These limits account for the fact of all participants were fit for an claimant. States musalignment. States must scream the participants further ability to work and can xm part of the caseload from the time limit of the full discretion as established in the wall. The final rule didnt change any of these policies. What they did this clarify when and where the states may seek to waive time limits for those who do not need these work requirements. Previous regulation regulationss counties with unemployment 2. 5 were waved areas implementing the limits were the job where te available encourages them to realize their potential, have a sense of community and move towards an independent lifestyle. Two other proposals are pending, one would eliminate the loophole called broadbased eligibility, used to provide the benefits without conducting a robust eligibility determination, resulting in the households that exceed the statutory thresholds. The other would modernize the calculation the state standard Utility Allowances are important in calculating the benefit amounts. Under current polic policy and t an elderly person is receiving benefits 2. 5 times as much as an elderly person across the state line in a similar situation simply because of the standard Utility Allowance. Those proposals promote a level Playing Field for the participants with all three barely and consistently. The period for each is closed and analyzing the comments to determine the extent. Other programs also help the veterans and im happy to address those as well. So, in closing i am confident we can provide americans veterans, heroes with the services and support that they deserved, not only a nutritional safety net, but these programs can help launch participants on a path to a Better Health and a better life. Thank you and i am happy to answer any questions you may have. Thank you, doctor otoole youre now ready highes nice for opening statement. Good morning chairman, Ranking Member bilirakis and distinguished members of the subcommittee. Thank you for the opportunity to testify before you today on ending that are in hunger. I am a cub meat by ms. Christina of the cochair of the ensuring veteran Security Work group. There are three points i want to emphasize. One veteran experiencing Food Insecurity is one too many perk according to the most recent Department Agricultural survey data more than 11 percent of all households in one out of three households have less than 130 percent of the federal Poverty Level to experience Food Insecurity. Despite the robust economy and record low Unemployment Rates we have been experiencing. Among veterans while the overall rate is lower specific populations including younger veterans with families and those with depression and psychiatric illnesses are vulnerable. In one study 27 percent of iraq and Afghanistan War veterans reported Food Insecurity. Another 48. 5 percent of Homeless Veterans lack regular access to food. The consequences of Food Insecurity are substantial and significant. Research has consistently shown the lack between regular access to food diabetes hypertension, and asthma and anxiety and suicidal ideation. It is associated with research reduced activities to be two times more likely to report poor health. Food insecurity is a social determinant that alone not having stable housing to experience violence and others are strong predictors for high risk among veterans federal International Studies have linked Food Insecurity and suicide risk it is within this context i would like to shift we are doing about it. We had the workgroup the program of nonprofit agencies to identify veterans at risk to coordinate resources and initiatives milestones over the past three to half years include implementing Electronic Medical record screening tool to identify Food Insecurity to date 100,000 food insecure veterans have been identified men and women who might otherwise have gone unnoticed streamlining enrollment of veterans through snap including partnering with usda to create veteran specific education materials Training Programs for staff including toolkit to support food insecure veterans onsite or a mobile food pantry there are 57 food pantries in place including the 17 the feeding america pantries that serve 700,000 meals. To conclude eating is a basic human need nobody should be going without food it is a major determinant of health viewed no differently than primary care it is linked to manager friday of Health Conditions not the least of which include Mental Health and suicide risk we are committed to have the highest quality care the veterans deserve going back to the 1921 legislation we have the mandate for the health and wellbeing and the welfare of those we serve well we probably note the progress made to address Food Insecurity there is more we can and will do for veteran hunger we need to increase the number of food pantries to address the urgent need for food to facilitate and snap to ensure more consistent access and address the root causes of Food Insecurity through social determinant of intervention. Thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today and we are prepared to answer any questions the committee may hav have. I recognize myself for five minutes. I did notice the citation that congress rejected veteran Data Tracking im a freshman member of congress that is true so i was not here but its my understanding that congress rejected the very rules you are here defending today. So i do have a sense of the actions taken by this body as i was sharing the subcommittee. What proportion of those who screen positive for Food Insecurity does v. A. Assist with application assistance or referrals . All screen positive or given positive assistance. With those interventions the registered dietitians engage in the process along with social workers along with social workers who screen positive is offered a consultation with a social worker or dietitian and then the care is customized to what the veteran needs and one is are you currently receiving snap if they are we provide Additional Services if not then we put on assist them to apply. So the v. A. Does monitor participation for those who screen positive. We dont monitor who does or who does not its part of the individual but it is not captured. You do not. How has the v. A. Collaborated to create resources or materials to raise awareness as it exists. We have worked to develop veteran specific material how to apply for snap and also engage nationwide for what is responsible for developing a specific list of resources. Each facility has been asked to establish that based on local resources. It seems to me thats a good start and we could always be doing better. What is preventing the v. A. To take more proactive efforts for those who screen positive for Food Insecurity . I would agree theres always more we can do. Thats one of the efforts and activities we are actively engaged in with the workgroup we clearly need to be as proactive to connect veterans to services but to ensure the consequences of Food Insecurity that may be manifested are also concurrently addressed. Administrator miller considering the proposed rule for snap time limits, did you consult or analyze the impact on veterans and if so, how many did you determine would be impacted . We have data that would encompass the entire snap population as they put forth the rules with that Impact Analysis we looked at our entire population how they would be affected and it does include veterans but we dont have specific data sets because congress has not given that authority to collect. Did you consult with v. A. We did not. Part of the snap Population Data Set we collect we dont have the data because its not a condition of eligibility we are not able to specifically assess that. Thats important to understand what about the categorical eligibility . The answer is the same we look at the impact on the population but if congress were willing to engage in Technical Assistance to have a conversation then certainly we are happy to do so. I assume it is the same for a standard Utility Allowance . Despite the fact you dont have the congressional authorization with the dialogue with the v. A. You knew your own statement was one. 3 million veterans. So you know veterans were a uniquely Important Community as part of the stat program. Our program serves all low income americans who need assistance so they would have been captured for the entire population. So veterans have no difficult or additional importance given their service to our nation even if a phone call to v. A. Was warranted . We want to serve all low income americans including veteran. So the answer is no. We did not contact v. A. I will yield to the Ranking Member. We are interested in better Data Collection for veterans what is the most efficient way to gather that information . The best way is through the snap application process. And to have more data. But to require the application as a condition of eligibility that requires a statutory change and thats what we are lacking at this point. Would take an act of congress to collect that information like the usda requires . It would be adding a condition of eligibility to the application thats a statutory change. We are embarking on a study which is a survey to include a question to help us understand veteran status. We are embarking on that now to help us get to some of that data without changing the application process. So if they find that useful . Yes that would be useful. Uletter s ca just finalize finalized, why does usda believe that criteria for the state mandate for snap need to be changed . We have seen right now with a very robust economy there are more Jobs Available than people who are seeking jobs. This is an opportunity to engage the ablebodied adults with the resources to help them get into their career field. We have the Training Program we can also work through the v. A. Program in federal and state and local partners to engage this population. We have seen areas of Unemployment Rates of two and a half percent so we think this is a Good Opportunity to engage these people to make sure they are able to return to the workforce. So for the benefit of the public when do they take effect . The final rule is implemented april 1st. Why are you making these changes when the 2018 farm bill made no changes . We have the authority we have authority retained to address this issue so we are able to do the final rule. Has this administration done anything to change the congressionally mandated requirements past as part of the 1996 welfare reform act implemented by clinton and bush and the Obama Administration . No sir this does not change the work requirements or that time limits. Was first passed on a bipartisan basis signed into law by clinton and unchanged more than 20 year years. I yelled back. Thank you very much mister chairman and i share the concern of many folks here that too many veterans are food insecure and experiencing economic hardships not knowing where that will come from so we leave here with a sense theres so much more to do up to and including their lives that are pledge to make sure they are taking care of. I just want to build on a question that was asked about these rule changes. Asking for the rationale why the changes were made. You responded by saying we have the authority. We are not doubting that but explain about the rationale about the broader population and snap in the fence as a result . Using our authority we could implement the final rule. But what we are seeing are more job openings so knowing this is ablebodied adults , with individuals between the ages of 18 and 49, the state has a responsibility to make sure they are screening everyone or the assessment. So we are hopeful if we can engage the population we can put them on a path toward a better future. States do have the ability to exempt caseload if they are having difficulty finding work or to reenter work. Employers have reached out to the snap program how we can engage with participants to make sure they are getting job training and skills they need to help fill some of the jobs that are out there. So just given the economy right now this is a great opportunity. The chairman asked about data for veterans specifically and you said you dont have that data but you do have the numbers for the broader population. Now that will be decreased as a result . 688,000 is the estimate showed fy 21 may not meet the work requirements that could lose benefits from it clearly we are talking about thousands of veterans among that population think we could extrapolate pretty safely. We have to do all we can to make sure they get what they need. We appreciate the work of the working group and what you are doing to ask the question and identify ways to help our vets. Mister otoole talk about those steps that what the workgroup is doing to reach out to the broader population. Talk about Mental Health and suicide we know most that set her dying by suicide are not connected to care v. A. Also with Food Insecurity and they are enriched by these programs prickle how do we reach them . It is important to acknowledge that Veterans Health administration represent only a proportion of all those men and women who have served our country. The v. A. Has launched several initiatives through the Suicide Prevention program as a means of engaging some of those veterans at highest risk to bring them into the system. Many suicides occurring are among veterans not enrolled. Several initiatives undertaken to help bring those veterans into our system as well as Community Resources include other than Honorable Discharge capacity to seek Emergency Care and other care within the v. A. System. Bringing them in is clearly an opportunity. But for the specific issues within the workgroup to speak to those Community Partnerships. The workgroup has done education to advertise to our Community Partners so we dont have to be a veterinarian utilizing to participate and we are currently working on a podcast that would allow anyone to hear it is not just limited to veterans receiving care. Thank you for your work. I yield back. I just want to make sure i understand one thing you know the number of veterans that received snap and overall beneficiaries you think are impacted but yet you cannot tell me how many veterans are impacted . So i will ask both agencies since you are both here can you commit to Work Together to inform this committee how many veterans will be impacted by this proposed rulemaking . We are happy to Work Together and work on look at the dat data. We will follow up to make sure we get that data because its very important this committee understands how many veterans are impacted. Thank you mister chairman into all of you for being here. Ia appreciate chairmans reference to the reserve in fort i wish you couldve been here but this will be recorded on cspan or somewhere he can view it if he chooses but we have challenges. Is not news to anybody thats why we have this hearing. That as opposed to servicemen and women who serve on active duty and then move on with their lives and are not impacted by the subject matter we are talking about today, is there any data out there that suggests it is broken out by a guard and reserve with Food Insecurity clicks for those who served in the Garden Reserve you really dont move your family when you are activated and deployed and when complete in most cases you return home to your hometown and go back to whatever business you were in before. And then continue on. So the stability of the home life and family life in some cases does not mere that of men and women serving actively and find themselves at risk. Is there any data that suggest any correlation with the stability of home life of the guard and reserve when it comes to this subject . Thank you congressman and your point is well taken with the specific needs and issues. I would have to defer to the dod and what they have been collecting for data. We have conduct some work to collect that data but i would have to defer. Thank you for your answer because this is quite an opportunity for dod , usda, v. A. And whoever else to collaborate on the sharing of data relating to all men and women serving in uniform whether active or guard or reserve. Talking about Food Insecurity and suicide risk, you also stated that many veterans at risk are outside the v. A. Healthcare system. Have you tried anything or considered anything to allow different ways to reach the population quex i heard podcast. But if that veteran is not connected to the internet any Different Things you have tried to be successful . Thank you for the question. Its important as we think of Food Insecurity often times is not occurring in isolation. Some of the Suicide Prevention initiatives are one example for how we can tap into that population to reach out and engage. Other efforts include Homeless Outreach that only those who are homeless but at risk through stand downs and such. And the convergence of these issues within those efforts provide an opportunity. Is the more we can do quex absolutely. It will always be a challenge because theres a lot of people who choose not to go to the v. A. Despite those services and capacity that these are several efforts across the Population Group needs to provide opportunity for us. What help can we give to v. A. To enable an outreach that is not occurring because people are outside the system. What help that we can complete outside the system quex. Thank you mister chairman for being here. This is such an important issue for our veterans. Sitting on the Labor Committee if we conducted an oversight hearing on department of agriculture proposed snap rule to eliminate eligibility. The finding was that eliminates access for about 1 million schoolchildren with free and cool reduced lunch is extremely frustrating with this rule the department did not include that impact on its analysis and then after it did showing the effect it continued to pursue the rule. I just want to point out that frustration and in my home state of nevada, 17000 veterans received snap benefits they could be with the lowwage jobs or have disability and snap provides support to enable them to purchase food for their families. So give this pattern i want to raise the question of the usda priorities. Ia have a prioritized actions to reduce state flexibility and limit access to snap and increase Food Insecurity rather than actions that are more proactive and responsive . Our goal with the proposed regulations is to align the program with the statute thats very clear to set limits for who should be receiving snap. We are trying to align the program with the statute to make sure participants are treated fairly and consistently across the country. We know folks in california are determined eligible very differently than those living in virginia. And to make sure everyone is on a level Playing Field regardless of what state you should know the expectations of what the requirements are because the statute defines that for us. We are trying to align the program to make sure everyone is treated fairly and consistently. So basically its our duty to change the statute to see additional eligibility . Yes you have the ability to do so we are happy to work with you to provide Technical Assistance if they are any legislative proposals you would like to pursue. We know there are millions of americans who are experiencing Food Insecurity including veterans that they dont receive the benefits. How is the usda addressing that gap . Those who qualify and are eligible for the program they do some outreach to make sure they work with different partners whether two other federal agencies to make sure we provide training for their caseworkers. So i think there is some outreach opportunity with our federal partners. The usda isnt taking any ownership of that . As part of the 2014 farm bil bill. Doctor otoole thank you for coming in today with your work. I am particularly concerned given the findings of the 2013 study it tended to be younger, not married, lower income pay scale so i cannot help but be concerned. I want to ask you, you listed numerous actions to identify veterans who experienced Food Insecurity and i apply applaud that. What can we do with student veteran hunger . Thank you. The Population Groups you mentioned are vulnerable part of that comes from the many challenges as they transition from military to civilian life. While still bearing the scars of battle and many of the challenges associated whether ptsd or other conditions to fully engage are clearly an issue. The role of student veterans and the shortfalls and their capacity are equally pronounced. For the record i have to take specific plans of action that would be specific to that Population Group. My time is expired. I would like to recognize my friend for five minutes. Thank you chairman and Ranking Member for holding this hearing and addressing this issue of Food Insecurity. I appreciate my friend for his passion. And we all care very deeply especially with Homeless Veterans in our communities. And veterans who dont and who struggle with Food Insecurity. I was moved by your testimony when you said the tool found one. 5 percent of all veterans screen positive for Food Insecurity. I think what about those that dont even get the screening quex that my view is for a veteran that is not disable disabled, especially without dependents the best thing we can do is get him a good job. A job that is a win because it addresses the issue of Food Insecurity and shelter, but its great for the employer because these are heroes for our country and they have great skills to offer employers. Face it, the economy is doing really really well right now. We have 1 million more job openings than unemployed people. What if we could fill those job openings i want to encourage work to get folks back into the labor market. So with respect to this rule why does the usda believe the criteria from those requirements need to be changed . As you just commented it focused on the fact we do have a robust economy right now. There are more job openings available than seekers so it seems like the perfect environment to engage this population helping them move into the work with the skills they need. We have programs, states are required to run those programs. We do provide them with formula funding as well as the opportunity of matching funds as they continue to expand to help snap participants these ablebodied adults get the job skills they need. s congresses job to change those requirements. I for one dont want to change the requirements. And has impeded people from getting back into the workforce. So that statute limits participation to adults were not talking about anybody younger than 18 but a worker without a dependent and without a disability we are talking nondisabled though dependent veterans between the ages of 18 and 49, prime working years with a time limit of 26 months or less unless they run a work program 20 hours per week they can volunteer. They dont even have to work but just do something. Am i describing the underlying statute correctly . Yes or. I dont think the statute is stingy i think it has great positive incentives for ablebodied prime age workers to do something to get them back into a productive place to be selfsufficient. Talking about food insecurit insecurity, thats what we need to be promoting. To the extent that states are impeding that incentive structure that is a great disservice to these heroes to encourage them to be more dependent than independent. The Veterans Benefits were not extended even though the department of labor ruled unable to work. Was that in similar situations . That is on unfortunate situation the state needs to make sure they are properly screening individuals. So there are situations like that because if we did have information that would satisfy the requirements to have the individual not subject to the final rule we are talking about. I have a comment prick i cannot believe were sitting here talking about this. We should all be humiliated were talking about taking food away from any man or woman no matter how ablebodied they may be. Who wore the uniform of this country. We must strive to build communities that truly serve and support our veterans from the very first moment they return. Those of the words of president trump. So for him to allow you to implement a band like this, to take food out of the mouths of the veteran is nothing short of unamerican and inhumane. I cant even believe we are talking about this. You are talking about using terms like level Playing Field talking about taking food away from people . This is disgusting. We are looking at you we all know what we can do we should just do it we dont have to hear people like you talking about a level Playing Field when you talk about men and women who wore the uniform of this country not being able to get food. Thank you mister chairman. Thank you mister chairman. So clearly this is a difficult issue one of which we all agree in the end anyone who cannot afford to maintain a level of nutrition or food, in particular, a veteran as a community i donate regularly to food banks. There are quite a few of them. There are some that exist for the purpose of veterans. So what we need to figure out is how to get it done in a way that is accountable. It takes a very holistic view of services. They work with Many Community organizations to connect if they feel there are benefits that are not in line with the best interest of the veteran and to be deserving. Is there a best practice that is taught for other v. A. s to take a holistic approach and not just look at the data of their income levels . Thank you for that question it highlights both the just to make sure we are to take care of the entire veteran. That extends through many examples and the leadership and the staff and their commitment of those men and women who served. And he gets back and not only the root and then to help them secure in addition stable housing and that goes far beyond the prescription pad. That is our commitment and also the strategic approach we have taken to the Food Insecurity screener and Interdisciplinary Team based approach. Its a much deeper problem than just food. I want to commend the department of veterans over the last two years, the mission act the veterans choice act, have been implemented on a bipartisan basis led by secretary wilkie and your staff. Most of veterans and have dedicated your working lives to serving veterans. And i see that and it is appreciated. So they have seen improvements as a whole. So three or four years ago there were disasters with various administrations with the work that was done is that what we need to prove so we have the hybrid approach what is the best possible care civic for your work and dedication and all of your service. The usda in my district in the department of the fairs related to food . Yes sir. We have had some Training Programs with the v. A. Caseworkers so they are familiar with our program. I yelled back. Thank you to the first panel now i will call up the second panel. This will take just a minute. [inaudible conversations] thank you everybody. On the second panel today we have a Vice President of public policy, a jewish response to hunger thank you for being here. Also chief Community Programs officer at Blue Star Families and finally the ceo in san diego thank you so much. Im but the full written statement added to the record. You are recognized for five minutes for jewish response to hunger. Inspired by Jewish Values and ideals the responsibility to care for most responsible without precondition. We are prioritized addressing but the snap program is the most crucial tool to but it is under attack under administrative actions. I would like to tell you about one individual, a navy veteran he agreed to allow me to share his painful experience for graft or injured he could not return to work and fell on hard times. He applied for snap because the state of maine did not waive the time limits he lost snap benefits for only three months. Repeatedly asked to the so what do i eat between now and then quex nobody had an he resorted to scrounging for food. But to go two or three days without food the food bank has only limited resources i had to have seven bolts on holes to have make. It helps one. Three low income suggesting two thirds but those that are ever veteran have to be forced to eat because they cannot get the help they need. Urging congress to protect the interest to withdraw those 300 proposals including veterans for that is not nuanced or flexible or the realities of struggling americans and and then to move for the changes without. Food insecurity can trigger a downward spiral which unfortunately can lead to suicide brick improving access is an important tool in the campaign to end veteran suicide and needs to be prioritize. Connecting veterans to snap we are pleased that v. A. Took advice to start screening for Food Insecurity with the current process is not doing enough and does not capture all those who struggle they must adopt a screening to more identity accurately identify those who have Food Insecurity and those that screen positive they should provide what is not happening badly. The v. A. Should integrate materials like snap to the Transition Assistance Program and other veteran outreach efforts as part of the Suicide Prevention initiative and then with the specific resources about snap brick a listen to veterans it is ramped up by proposals for only certain americans. This creates a Chilling Effect with the stigma to make others to seek the help that we need the committee should hold the followup hearing for those who have experiences with Food Insecurity. Lastly Congress Must address the current families that has been ignored for far too long. It is an urgent matter of National Security retention and recruitment you have to make sure they have what they need and dont have to struggle with hunger. For someone like tim to have access to snap when he turned 50 the time limit no longer applied than he can once again get the assistance he needed hes in a much better place now and he was to make sure others did not fall to the quex i look forward to your questions. I would like to recognize you for your statements by mister chairman and Ranking Members thank you for the opportunity to testify today and the chief Community Programs officer blister families. We build communities that support military families by connecting research and data to programs and solutions. Blue star families is nationally recognized for the Lifestyle Survey in the 2018 survey we found 7 percent of 12 percent indicated they faced in Food Insecurity in the past year and those indicated in the household so the one to comprehend Food Insecurity must first understand all the families are actively serving. Higher rates of Military Spouse unemployment limited availability outofpocket housing expenses many factors arrive due to military orders activeduty military families relocate once every two or three years across state lines are overseas makes it difficult partly because those who have gaps in the resumes. To work in a licensed profession to undergo the costly process and in 2018 these were unemployed and in 2018 was less than 4 percent and those who would like to be employed site childcare why they are not currently working meanwhile 70 percent of millennial respondents those that were vital to the familys wellbeing but the Military Spouse employment crisis directly contributes to Food Insecurity by preventing military families of a secd source of income. Those are further compounded by relocation expenses brick of the federal government covers the majority of these expenses one third of respondents reported spending 1000 up on reimbursed expenses brick all of these factors with rising cost of childcare and others can contribute to Food InsecurityFood Insecurity does not and when servicemembers retire the Financial Difficulties are from challenges it is critical we work to address the underlying causes and at the same time the committee can take immediate steps to protect veteran hunger to identify veterans to establish be a partnerships for those who are not receiving services. The federal government must also work with the Data Collection with those foreignpolicy responses. Those are well situated to help in that endeavor it with her efforts to eliminate hunger and to make significant sacrifices should not struggle to put food on the table. Thank you so much and distinguish members of the committee with the leading hunger relief we are a very proud member of the network to be 4500 square miles making it larger than us 20 states the largest concentration of personnel in the world its part of the National Defense infrastructure with those activeduty military and 260,583,000 family members of veterans. 37 percent of the population has direct ties to the military. It is a proud heritage but it comes with the responsibility greatest of these is to ensure the veteran of military families have a dignified quality of life but all too often despite the efforts of our government to close this significant gap between what the heroes have and need to provide for families but i am proud of my organization by take no pride they stationed them without paying enough to live in san diego. I take no pride to see them line up with the food pantry every year. Feeding san diego has food rescue approaches to deliver healthy fresh with 24 Million Pounds of food would go froms farms and stores and manufacturers so with our charitable partners those 26 million meals that have on otherwise wouldve gone to a landfill. 40 percent goes to waste every day thats more than enough to solve hunger for everyone in need. Through a partnership with feeding america 260 Grocery Stores and 19 districts we also rescue produce from 225 farms through our partnership with the California Association of food banks. We are proud to partner with 170 religious and charitable organizations to work handinhand with us. Many are specifically focused on the needs of activeduty families military outreach ministries. The distribution with the Farmer Market style model to allow individuals to select those that are best for the families needs without stigma or unnecessary bureaucracy. But as strong as the efforts are theres more to be done and serious threats to progress. We are asking congress to do several things in this is to oppose cuts to the snap program that threatens millions of americans including many veteran and activeduty families. Feeding america is 200 food bank strong but for every one meal provided by the network snap provides nine or even a relatively small cut has a staggering increase in demand at the food banks and that we cannot meet. I encourage congress to include needed improvements of childhood christian on nutrition reauthorization for the children of military and veteran families. I will end my testimony to share a story. Desiree participates in her program her husband is a Communications Officer in the navy making 34000 her husband has been to plate eight months. She new life as a Military Spouse would have challenges but she never expected one would be feeding her own children. Thousands of families face similar challenges. Too many kids are standing in food lines while parents or stand on serving on the front lines. Its been an honor to testify today feeding san diego including desiree and her famil family. Thank you so much for your leadership and your work in san diego im glad this has provided an opportunity to highlight the great work you are doing and for all three of you as nongovernmental leaders or experts thank you to the v. A. Representatives for sticking around