line of defense is the federal nutrition programs within the Farm Bill, a patchwork of social services and community support that forms a critical public safety net. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) - This program provides lowincome individuals and households nutrition assistance through a monthly allowance. Participants can purchase food at authorized retailers, including thousands of farmers markets. A 32-page application and an interview with the local department of human services are required. Through funding from the Farm Bill, programs like Be Mighty in Little Rock, Arkansas, can provide in-person assistance via its SNAP Navigator's Training Program. The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) - At no cost to low-income community members, TEFAP provides state distributing agencies with nutritious food. State agencies distribute to local agencies that serve the public. Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) - Through CSFP, low-income older adults receive groceries that address common nutritional deficiencies in the diets of this population. State agencies distribute these resources to local agencies that determine participant eligibility. The Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GUSNIP) - As a competitive grant program, GUSNIP increases food education and access to nutritious produce. This funding supports the purchase of healthy fruits and vegetables by consumers involved in SNAP. Next Steps NRPA and its members want to see the Farm Bill strongly funded to ensure the continuation of these vital programs and services, so park and recreation agencies can continue supporting the health and wellness of their communities. Sign up for our action alerts (tinyurl.com/ yckbccw6) to stay informed and take action on the Farm Bill and other legislation. Access our SNAP and WIC Outreach Toolkit at tiny url.com/4h7bdkec. Elyse Gentile is Executive Branch Specialist at NRPA (egentile@nrpa.org). Stavroula Kostas is Park Champions Initiative Intern at NRPA (skostas@nrpa.org). PARK S ANDRECRE AT ION . OR G | JUNE 2 0 2 3 | Parks & Recreation 21https://tinyurl.com/yckbccw6 https://tinyurl.com/yckbccw6 https://tinyurl.com/4h7bdkec https://tinyurl.com/4h7bdkec