2023 Policy Agenda - Capital Area Food Bank
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Our 2023 Policy Agenda highlights the role that government — at every level — can play in reducing hunger and poverty in our region.

CAFB truck with Capitol dome

Although we distributed enough food for 53 million meals in 2022, we cannot address hunger alone. Governments play a critical role in reducing hunger and poverty at the broadest scale, and we’re seeking the support of policymakers to enact changes that advance these goals.

Our policy agenda has been informed by hundreds of conversations with elected leaders, academic researchers, and community members, as well as the insights of our clients and partner nonprofits. We have put forth requests, speaking to ways in which governmental leaders, across all jurisdictions, can take steps to alleviate hunger and poverty in the year ahead. Our requests are mindful of the structural and fiscal limitations policymakers face, but they also challenge leaders to ensure underserved and marginalized communities are not left behind — or left without a seat at the table. Together, we can holistically support the needs of the most vulnerable individuals in our communities.

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Quick Links
Federal State

Download the 2023 Policy Agenda Snapshot by Jurisdiction

for a two-page look at our priorities by level of government across the region.

Download the 2023 Policy Agenda Snapshot by Issue Area

for an issue-by-issue view of CAFB’s policy priorities.

Federal

Congress and the Executive Branch are positioned to enact policies with extensive impact, affecting all subsequent levels of government. Our 2023 agenda includes the following requests at the federal level:

  • Modernize SNAP eligibility standards
  • Provide universal school meals
  • Improve client, agency, and food bank experience through The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)
  • Permanently enact the Child Tax Credit
  • Expand WIC eligibility to age six
  • Create federal investment and outlets for home-delivered, medically tailored meals and groceries

State

The food bank operates across three unique state-level jurisdictions: the state of Maryland, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Virginia. Our agenda within each jurisdiction is below.