In the next few months I will hold 3 regional forums around the country, which I am inviting members of Congress to attend. I want to know directly from farmers how we can fix crop insurance and make the program more attractive. Together we will make the tough choices necessary to ensure that America's farmers can continue to feed our nation and much of the world, safe in the full knowledge that some of their downside is protected. Part of the safety net for farmers, for any business really, is expanding economic opportunity. But as the 'people's department' we must ensure that rural Americans take part in what is now the longest peacetime economic expansion in our nation's history.
Good nutrition is the basis for good health and for leading a full and productive life.
We're also increasing funding for our Women, Infants and Children's Program and expanding the WIC Farmers' Market program. We are also taking another step toward fixing one of the wrongs of the welfare reform bill. We are proposing to restore food stamp eligibility to 15,000 elderly legal immigrants as part of funding to support over 20 million food stamp participants. Today 21 million Americans rely on supplemental food assistance provided by non-profit organizations. Strong federal programs will always be the bedrock of America's anti-hunger effort, but government should also assist grass roots efforts.