December 18, 2009

Our Point of View: Food Stamps

Author: Brady Koch

The New York Times has an ongoing editorial series focused on encouraging debate on a variety of relevant social topics. Recently the topic was about the perception that people receiving food stamps eat poorly.

Food Stamps: The Economics of Eating Well (source: New York Times)

I think this article provides a good summary of all of the major opinions on the issue. To chime in on the topic myself, my interviews with our clients show that the majority of food stamp recipients are using the benefit to access healthier food that they could not get otherwise.

As a food bank we can be limited to providing the community with whatever may be donated in a given week. The food stamp program is a great way for our clients to supplement the donated food with items that their family may not be able to get from a pantry. The next outreach step could include client education on how to best use their food stamp EBT cards to maximize nutrition and food stamp dollars.

Brady Koch
Director of Agency Relations & Programs

November 30, 2009

Central Florida Food Stamp Increases at Record Levels

Author: Dave Krepcho

Based on a report released by the NYT on 11/29/09, a dramatic increase in Food Stamps is occurring due to the troubled economy.

Many of the new people receiving aid are folks who never dreamed of needing help six to 10 months ago. Cut back hours, job losses and meager job prospects are the driving forces behind these numbers.

Here’s how Central Florida rates:              

Orange      Osceola      Seminole      Lake      Volusia      Brevard
+71%            +74%           +65%         +87%       +75%         +76%

Change since 2007 / percentage increase in usage

These are some of the highest increases in the entire country.

Dave Krepcho
President/CEO
Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida

November 12, 2009

Unexpected Outreach

Author: Brady Koch

This past Saturday our Benefits Connection food stamp outreach team participated in an large scale workshop and information session for homeowners facing foreclosure.

 Hundreds of people attended the event organized by the state of Florida and many of them were able to find assistance with our team.

Many people are surprised with the face of hunger in our community. Many of the families and individuals we help are employed, yet unable to make ends meet. Layoffs, cutbacks, and medical emergencies are making it more and more challenging for people to provide food to their family.

Because of these economic challenges, our Benefits Connections team has been asked to participate in more and more unexpected outreach events. This month alone we’ll be providing outreach at large businesses, libraries, resource fairs, and schools. This is above and beyond the community centers, church pantries, and nonprofits that we normally provide help to.

If you’re interested in learning more about our Benefits Connection program (or are interested in one of those awesome Second Harvest toast shirts our team is modeling) please contact me.

For more information about where our Benefits Connection Team will be at during the rest of the month, please call our main number 407-423-7333.

Brady Koch
Director of Agency Relations & Programs
bkoch@foodbankcentralflorida.org

November 10, 2009

Half of all Children Receive Food Stamp Benefits

Author: Brady Koch

The Orlando Sentinel picked up an associated press story about a new study that reveals that, after analyzing 30 years of food stamp data, about 49 percent of all children were on food stamps at some point by the age of 20. This aligns with our own food stamp outreach efforts through Benefits Connection. 31% of all people impacted by our program are children.
 
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/nationworld/sns-ap-us-med-children-food-stamps,0,2982901.story
 
Imagine the consequences of 49% of children not having access to  food through the food stamp program. Hunger is not just a social problem, it’s a medical problem that leads to malnutrition in children.

As learned in research and firsthand accounts through our Hi-Five program, kids with access to healthy food perform better in school. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP or food stamps) is one of the largest safety nets for families and individuals living in poverty. As the benefit allows each family to select food that is best for their children’s nutrition, it’s also ensuring healthier kids.
 
Brady Koch
Director of Agency Relations & Programs