February 7, 2007

  • another update:

    From: FSPHQ-WEB [mailto:FSPHQ-WEB@fns.usda.gov]
    Subject: RE: Food Assistance Program

    Dear Mrs. Bell:
     
    I want to thank you for contacting the Food and Nutrition Service to let us know about the grave situation that you and your family face.  It must be terrifying for you to have found yourselves struggling like this, even though you have always worked hard and you continue to try to work your way out of debt.  I would like to be able to give you answers to your questions that would provide immediate reassurance.  I have to acknowledge, though, that the answers might be unsatisfying for you. 
     
    First, you asked why, when your family is struggling so hard, you cannot qualify for food stamps.  The income and resource limits for food stamp eligibility are set by Congress at 130% of the Federal Poverty Level (while WIC income limits are set at 185% of the Federal Poverty Level).  Historically, those income limits have risen slightly each year to account for inflation, but have not dramatically increased from year to year.  Since those limits are set by Congress, Congress can decide to change them if they hear from enough concerned citizens like you.  Congress reexamines Food Stamp Program rules about every four years and makes changes that are suggested by the public, advocates, the USDA, and other people and organizations that care about the Food Stamp Program.  It happens that 2007 is the year that Congress will reexamine the Food Stamp Program rules as part of what is known as the Farm Bill.  Discussions have already begun.  This is an excellent time to talk with your representatives in Congress or with advocacy groups in your state to spell out the exact changes that you would like to see to the program.  You can follow Farm Bill developments at www.usda.gov. 
     
    You also wonder why people who do not work can access food stamps.  For some years, it was true that people could receive food stamps indefinitely when not working.  That all changed, though, in the late 90's with the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act.  Food Stamp Program rules were changed to limit the time that people could receive food stamps without working to three months in any 36 month period.  There are exceptions, as you could understand, for people who have very young children at home.  The Food Stamp Program also now requires people who are unemployed at the time that they apply to participate in work search and preparation activities, so that they can get back on their feet as soon as possible. 
     

    It is our mission to ensure that  low-income people  have access to the healthful food they need, but it is true that the rules we operate under can exclude people who are worthy of help.  Many people who find themselves in a situation similar to yours find that accepting help from local charitable organizations can help them get by, even though it's something they thought they would never do.  You can find local organizations that offer free groceries by visiting www.secondharvest.org/zip_code.jsp.  Your husband should be able to get free access (no need for that newspaper) information on jobs by visiting http://workforce.ky.gov/ or contacting Justin Watterson of the Office of Employment and Training at justin.watterson@ky.gov or 502-564-7976. 

     

    I hope this information is helpful to you and that your family returns to economic security very soon.  Please let us know if you have any other reflections or questions for us about the Food Stamp Program.

     

    Most sincerely,

     

    MDK