Current Legislation

Food Assistance to Improve Reintegration Act of 2009 (HR 329)

This House bill proposes to amend the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 to repeal the denial of food stamp eligibility of ex-offenders.  This will complement the Houston Food Bank’s Serving For Success program since 1440 former offenders will participate in the program per year.

Currently, citizens with a criminal record are permanently banned from receiving federal assistance with food.  This adds to the difficulty they face with reintegration into society post incarceration.  Allowing former offenders to apply for food stamps is one step towards securing the basics needs they need to put themselves in a position to become self sufficient citizens who don’t return to prison. Because of the opportunity this provides, the Houston Food Bank supports the amendment.

Text of the legislation 

Take Action!
Call your member of Congress (who represents me?) - HR 329 talking points 
Write a letter - HR 329 outline letter