H.R. 1319— the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021
Are you ever intimidated by politics? Have you ever found yourself reading a bill and are immediately turned away by the length and language? We understand, we can relate, and that is why we are doing our part in succinctly summarizing this important information. Our world is governed by laws and regulations and the only way to ensure that we are all being rightfully represented is to educate ourselves on these happenings. These laws don’t only represent us human beings, but they likely protect our environment, our land, food, and our animals. The food system weaves together not just individuals, but also our society and the world we live in.
The U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 1319, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.
The American Rescue Plan is important for a large scope of things in returning our country back to normalcy after the pandemic. Where we are interested in dissecting it is within the scope of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Under those provisions it sets to reduce hunger across the country, strengthen our food supply chain, invest in rural America, and provide long overdue support to socially disadvantaged farmers.
This bill is composed of several committees that intend to address specific issues. The first one happens to be the committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. That part is composed of two subtitles: Agriculture and Nutrition.
Under Agriculture, there are several sections regarding funding and assistance for all who are involved in the food supply chain. It is highlighted that 4,000,000,000 will be allocated to these initiatives. Specifically towards grants and loans that provide food availability for families in need, market from farmers, protection for essential food workers, monitoring of livestock and animal health, and long term planning for food systems infrastructure.
Systemic discrimination and a cycle of debt has left minority farmers as vulnerable stewards of land. Today, their struggle is intensified due to the brunt of COVID-19. The American Rescue plan makes an obligation to provide debt relief, and funding towards land access, outreach, education, business development, and more.
The second subtitle is Nutrition. In this section the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) as well as other nutrition assistance programs have been addressed to provide extensions, access to healthier food, and increased funding and benefits.
These targets have been long awaited. We are excited to track its direct implementation and development moving forward! Join us as we educate ourselves to educate others.