The NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) will offer a “listening session” about the pending federal Farm Bill legislation at Hudson Valley Community College:
Capital Region OTDA “Listening Session”
Tuesday, April 25 from 1 to 3 p.m.
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Hudson Valley Community College — Bulmer Telecommunications Center (BTC) Auditorium
80 Vandenburgh Ave, Troy, New York 12180
REGISTER HERE (by April 24)
The forum is open to faculty, staff and students, as well as the public.
The NYS OTDA’s listening sessions on the federal Farm Bill — the primary federal legislation that governs the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and other agricultural and food programs — provide a public forum to gather information about how the Farm Bill impacts the lives of New York State residents. The Farm Bill is scheduled to be reauthorized by Congress in 2023.
SNAP is a lifeline for many college students and low-income families. Yet, SNAP eligibility rules can be complicated for students, and the impending expiration of federal pandemic waivers may make it even harder for some low-income students to qualify.
All interested individuals, especially students, are encouraged to register for the listening session and sign up to speak about how the Farm Bill should improve access to and participation in SNAP. You do not have to be an expert on SNAP rules to attend and participate. OTDA staff want to hear your stories, ideas and recommendations for what should be included as New York’s Farm Bill priorities are finalized and shared with members of the U.S. Congress. It is important that federal lawmakers understand the need for expanded access to SNAP for students.
In addition to the April 25 session at HVCC, a virtual listening session will be held on Wednesday, April 26. You can register to attend and speak at any of the sessions here:
2023 Farm Bill Listening Sessions | OTDA (ny.gov).