States push to get food to needy

[flashl]

As the economy sputters, states are taking extraordinary measures to help people keep food on the table, and the federal Food Stamps program is their primary tool.

This year, soaring food and energy prices and lost jobs have led a record number of people to enter the program — more than in any year since the program began in 1964. But even as the number of applicants spirals, states are reaching out to millions more who may not realize they are eligible or are reluctant to participate.

Only 65 percent of Americans with incomes low enough to qualify for Food Stamps seek help, leaving many who either go hungry or end up relying on other federal and state assistance programs, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which administers the program

...

“It’s smart for states to promote Food Stamps, because that and unemployment checks often are enough to delay the need for other types of public assistance — such as welfare and Medicaid — that put pressure on state budgets,” said poverty expert Sheri Steisel at the National Conference of State Legislatures. By giving people the money to buy groceries, states also stimulate their local economies, she said.

Stateline

[cutlassmama]

1. I doubt this is helping much

since the food bank that I used to volunteer at (before I got so sick) is now turning away people.

They used to not have to turn anyone away. My friend who also volunteers there told me about it.

She told me people sit out in the cold, two hours before the doors even open, to get a place in line.

[TexasBushwhacker]

2. This is true, but that's not what the article is about

Only 65% of the people who would qualify for food stamps get them. The push is for states to get food stamps to the people who qualfy so that they don't have to rely on food banks and such so much.

The food banks are really hurting though. Donations from individuals and companies are down, but commidity programs from the Dept. of Agriculture which provide staple items like beans and rice are down as well.