[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 171 (Wednesday, December 4, 2013)]
[House]
[Page H7459]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             SNAP: CHILDREN

  (Mrs. DAVIS of California asked and was given permission to address 
the House for 1 minute.)
  Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, this holiday season, my 
constituents have inspired me by writing in about the importance of 
food aid and the SNAP program.
  All of us here in Congress have the luxury of knowing that we can 
provide our families with healthy food; but there are so many people in 
our country that will go this holiday without such a blessing, and, 
sadly, most of those in dire need are children. In fact, 70 percent of 
all households that depend on SNAP are families with children.
  In my district, a 16-year-old girl named Maya was hospitalized last 
year for issues related to malnutrition. She had struggled in school 
and showed signs of depression. Maya's hospitalization triggered her 
father to apply for SNAP benefits. Having a more reliable source of 
food gave Maya the energy to improve her grades and help her family. 
She helped her family out by getting a part-time job.
  As we debate the farm bill, let's remember that there are children 
like Maya. Let's work together to protect SNAP.

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