The weekly Food Research and Action Center (FRAC) News Digest highlights what's new on hunger, nutrition and poverty issues at FRAC, at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, around the network of national, state and local anti-poverty and anti-hunger organizations, and in the media. The Digest will alert you to trends, reports, news items and resources and, when available, link you directly to them.

1. Research Shows Lunch Sales Stay Steady When Schools Offer Healthier Menus
(Nurse.com, January 10, 2008)

A study reported in the Winter 2007 Review of Agricultural Economics finds that schools serving healthier meals don't see their lunch sales decline. Titled An Empirical Analysis of and Policy Recommendations to Improve the Nutritional Quality of School Meals, the report from the University of Minnesota analyzed five years of data from 330 schools. The study also found that while healthier lunches come with higher labor costs, the more nutritious foods cost less than processed foods. The authors suggest that schools upgrade their facilities and train staff in healthy food preparation - two strategies needed to boost success in the drive to deliver healthier foods to students.

2. Children "At Risk for Overweight" Also At Risk For Heart Problems
(Los Angeles Times, December 18, 2007)

Research conducted at the Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, reports that children in the "overweight" BMI category begin to show heart and blood vessel function changes, which could develop into greater problems as they get older. Lead researcher Dr. Yanbin Dong calls the results "a wake-up call for parents, for caretakers for the community and for pediatricians."

3. States Face New Limitations to Medicaid Expansion
(The New York Times, January 4, 2008The Patriot News, December 19, 2007)

A major policy change means states will have to meet new conditions if they want Medicaid to cover families above 250 percent of the poverty level. The restrictions are similar to those placed on the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) by the Bush Administration in August 2007. "To be consistent and logical, you have to apply the criteria to Medicaid and CHIP," said Dennis G. Smith, the director of the federal Center for Medicaid and State Operations. State officials in Louisiana, Ohio and Oklahoma became aware of the administration's new plans during negotiations with the federal government. In December, Ohio's proposal to expand Medicaid and cover an additional 35,000 children was rejected, which prevents the state from increasing the top criteria to three times poverty level, or about $62,000 for a family of four. Among the restrictions, the new policy requires children with private coverage in the past be uninsured for one year in order to be eligible for SCHIP. These changes represent a significant shift from the first four years of the Bush Administration. In 2001, former HHS Secretary Tommy Thompson went on record with reports of record numbers of Medicaid and SCHIP waivers -- which allowed states to set each program's eligibility and benefit limitations - during the administration's first term. In Thompson's words, the plan was "to give governors the flexibility they need to expand coverage to more Americans."

4. Soaring Food Costs Add to Britain's Economic Difficulties
(The Independent, January 2, 2008)

Great Britain faces many of the same challenges that low-income and working poor Americans experience. As food costs increase and are added to rising mortgage payments and personal insolvency figures, British citizens are forced to spend more of their income on just getting by. Experts say food and fuel costs will continue to rise, limiting consumer buying power and economic confidence. Mortgages will rise too, and many who took advantage of low re-finance and first mortgage rates will find a higher percentage of their paychecks assumed by their house payments after they re-fix their mortgage rates. Personal debt adds to the cost of living, as the average British citizen owes ?30,000 in credit card bills.

5. Farm Bill Will Help Colorado's Hungry Families and Charitable Organizations
(Denver Post, January 10, 2008)

A policy analyst for the Colorado Fiscal Policy Institute focused on the benefits the Farm Bill reauthorization will have for needy families and the charities serving them. In her recent letter to the editor, Adela Flores-Brennan responded to a Denver Post story (More needy families emptying food banks) which focused on the rising need at local food banks and increase in the number of foreclosures in the Denver area. "[C]haritable organizations…cannot do it all on their own. There is a critical role for government in helping prevent hunger," she noted. Flores-Brennan concluded that both House and Senate versions of the Farm Bill will greatly support the Food Stamp and The Emergency Food Assistance programs, and commends Colorado's Congress members for their work, especially in light of the upcoming compromise version of the bills. Flores-Brennan urges the members to "ensure that the resulting bill reflects funding for vital improvements to these safety net programs for the next years."

6. General Relief Recipients in Los Angeles Experience Food Insecurity
(LA City Beat, January 10, 2008)

An article critical of Los Angeles County's General Relief program, which "provides financial assistance to indigent adults who are ineligible for federal or state programs," includes food insecurity and hunger in its analysis of problems faced by aid recipients. Focusing on Arthur Walker, one of 60,000 General Relief recipients, the article charts the significant barriers to entry into the program, the "paltry and inadequate" monthly checks, and the bureaucracy the county program contributes to Mr. Walker battles with homelessness and hunger. Los Angeles county officials responsible for overseeing General Relief look to the state and federal government for help, claiming the county lacks the funds to more fully finance care for Walker and others like him.

The $221 General Relief monthly payment is insufficient to keep half of recipients from going hungry, with over 80 percent reporting food insecurity in 2006. Although most of the adults in the program receive food stamps (an average monthly benefit of $155), they must rely on other community programs for food toward the end of the month. Skid Row's Los Angeles Catholic Worker soup kitchen sees the usual number of meals served jump from approximately 500-600 per day in each month's early days to 1,000 meals by each month's end.

Arthur Walker's difficulties in looking for a job point up the range of problems, in addition to hunger, General Relief clients experience. With no fixed address because of high housing costs, Walker is unable to keep clothing suitable for interviews. Skid Row housing today offers only 6600 units, compared with the 15,000 hotel rooms and apartments available in the 1960s. Lacking a car, Walker is unable to travel outside the urban area in which he lives to where the jobs are. If he finds a temporary job, he could lose his General Relief benefits. Those benefits have a cut-off date, which means Walker has to re-apply at a number of times each year, an intricate and difficult process due to the county's bureaucracy.

Gary Blasi, a UCLA law professor who has studied General Relief, commented: "In terms of a safety net, it is really an embarrassment in a county as rich as our that this is what we offer people who can't find anything else." The article explains that the Board of Supervisors and DPSS are responsible for General Relief, but have not raised the grants above the legal level or sought partnerships to expand the program. Blasi reports that the program turns away half of the 12-13,000 people who apply each month.

7. Study Reveals Florida County Hunger Issues
(Vero Beach Press-Journal, January 5, 2008)

United Way of St. Lucie County reports that one in 10 households in the county experience food insecurity, and only half of those households receive food stamps or other food assistance. In addition, the report offers statistics that show one in four residents are uninsured and lack access to dental care. The real estate economy troubles combine with these statistics to show the extent of poverty in the St. Lucie community.

8. Responding to Customer Research, Some Family Dollar Stores Begin to Accept Food Stamps
(Minyanville Financial Infotainment, January 9, 2008)

Family Dollar recently found that the reason its stock is down 20 percent may have much to do with rising food costs. The chain's customer research indicates that their customers spent almost three-fourths of their income on food, housing, and energy in 2007. The statistic - "slightly higher than the national average" as stated on the Minyanville Financial Infotainment blog - is leading some Family Dollars to start accepting food stamps, offer more consumables, and turn over more retail space to food. "Today these expenditures are most likely an even greater percentage of their wallet, resulting in our customers being severely strapped for cash, especially towards the end of the month," CEO Howard Levine said.

9. Disaster Food Assistance Program Effective During December 2007 Storm in Washington State
(The Daily World, January 5, 2008)

A streamlined and efficient application process coupled with dedicated staff and 37 volunteers provided more than 10,000 Grays Harbor households with much-needed food stamps in the wake of a recent heavy snowstorm. The households needed the disaster food stamps after damage to refrigerators and freezers resulted in ruined food. The Community Service Office processed families in the weeks following the storm, and accepted 1300 applications in one day alone. The original deadline to apply - December 21 - was extended to January 2, 2008, as the office was still receiving applications past the original cutoff date. In addition, some of these new food stamp recipients may receive additional assistance due to unemployment or severe storm damage. Processing possible recipients was made easier by using an honor system during applications - residents were simply asked for their name, phone number, and whether or not the storm damaged or destroyed their home. According to Marsha Stigall with the Disaster Food Assistance Program, staff members "were happy they could help so many households so quickly."

10. State Senator Says Effective Education and School Breakfasts Are Highly Effective Mix
(Twin Cities Daily Planet, December 21, 2007)

In this editorial, Minnesota State Senator John Marty supports serving school breakfasts to children not just on standardized test days - which is the case for some programs - but throughout the school year. Citing research which shows that students perform better at tests when they don't have to contend with hunger, he asks why it's "acceptable to have students sitting in class with empty stomachs on any day?" Current school and state budget problems.mean that "schools are facing difficult budget choices, and the breakfast program usually comes up short." Sen. Marty aligns with educators and other professionals who see education and hunger as inextricably linked.. Noting that Minnesota ranks 43rd in the percentage of low-income students receiving school breakfasts, he wonders "How can we make sure that 100 percent of the money that we spend on education is most effectively spent on educating students?" School breakfasts are, he says, "a great start" to addressing the education needs of the whole child.

11. School Wins Award for High Student Participation in School Breakfast Program
(Marshalltown Times-Republican, January 5, 2008)

The Midwest Dairy Council Breakfast Awards Program awarded $5,000 to Anson Elementary School in Iowa for achieving 85 percent student participation in their school breakfast program. Anson serves breakfast at no cost to students in their classrooms instead of the cafeteria or other larger space. This is the second year for the program, which not only benefits overall student education but expands their nutrition and health knowledge. One other school - Hoglan Elementary - recently started a similar program. According to School district food service director Ann Feilmann, they hope to expand the program to one more elementary school.

12. New Jersey Workers Challenged By Economic Insecurity in New Year
(NorthJersey.com, December 31, 2007)

A "year-in-review" article analyzing employment trends compiled statistics from a number of national research sources to highlight some of the difficulties American workers face as 2008 starts. Reflecting downturns in employer-sponsored health insurance, social security benefits, and low salary increases, are these facts:

* Almost one-third (30 percent) of households with one working adult need the services of the Community FoodBank of New Jersey.

* Of all 50 states, New Jersey experienced the largest drop in employer health insurance - from 63 percent of employers providing insurance in 2001 to 54 percent in 2007.

* After taxes, the richest portion of the American population (top 1 percent) saw their income rise by almost three-quarters of a million dollars over 25 years (1979-2005), while the poorest fifth's income rose by $900 during the same period.

* Social Security benefits support is below the poverty line for half of the U.S.'s retired women workers (2007 poverty line for one person: $10,210; for two: $13,690.)

However, the article does find good news for New Jersey's needy: starting in January 2008, having a car will not negatively affect a person's eligibility for food stamps. Previously, the value of one vehicle was added to an applicant's overall income.

13. Illinois Seeks to Improve School Breakfast Ranking
(Chicago Tribune, December 31, 2007)

Only one-third of Illinois' low-income children participating in school lunch programs also receive free or reduced-price breakfasts, a fact that ranked Illinois 51st in FRAC's recent national report on participation in the School Breakfast Program. Illinois Hunger Coalition executive director Diane Doherty cites a number of reasons for these numbers - children's fear of being stigmatized, coupled with long commutes to schools keep many students from receiving breakfast before classes. Doherty suggests schools implement "universal breakfast" and serve the meal during the first 30 minutes of the school day - during announcements and attendance and before lessons begin. According to Doherty, this would close the gap for late arriving students and reduce the stigma since all students would receive breakfast at no cost. "This is an area where Illinois just has to improve," said Doherty in the article. "We're at the bottom of the barrel, and we have nowhere to go but up."

14. "Breakfast Concessions" Aim to Deliver Breakfasts to High School Students
(Ashland Gazette, January 10, 2008)

Some high school students in North Carolina can now take advantage of "Breakfast Concessions" twice each week. The meal offering is one way administrators are responding to the student wellness committee's charge to improve nutrition in the upper age groups. The committee found that while students are eating breakfast, they're not selecting healthy foods. The breakfast program is intended to change that by offering both hot and cold items for sale. Currently, the program is considered a "concession" rather than an official meal program, which means that students who would otherwise receive free or reduced price meals have to pay for the breakfast. The school attempts to keep the cost affordable, with the most expensive breakfast being $1.10. At the end of the school year the program will be evaluated and a determination will be made to carry it forward, although school superintendent Craig Pease has found the program to be well received by the students. "Breakfast is very important for young people," said Pease. "We're trying to find ways in which we could provide another alternate for students."

15. Health Centers Join Food Banks in Offering More Nutrition Education
(BlackVoiceNews.com, January 3, 2008)

The San Bernardino County Food Bank is partnering with Inland Behavioral and Health Services, Inc. to add nutrition education to the center's full service medical care, dental, vision and well baby care services. The initiative - titled California Nutrition Network for Healthy, Active Families Demonstration Project - not only provides workshops but also distributes coolers, cutting mats, and aprons at health fairs. They also encourage patients who visit food banks to select more perishable foods instead of long shelf-life items. Many patients often stay away from fresh fruits, vegetables, and foods they're not familiar with because they are unaware of cooking and preparation methods that can extend the shelf life. According to Jessica Bartholow of the California Association of Food Banks, " Food banks can expose people to food they've not tried before, and…can teach them how to best use…produce so they're more comfortable purchasing fruits and vegetables with their Food Stamps or own dollars in the future."

16. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Information Offers Ideas to Help Improve Nutrition Among Elderly in Colorado
(Craig Daily Press, December 31, 2007), 2008)

An article focusing on helping senior citizens cope with nutrition needs and food availability takes advantage of advice distributed by HHS. Elderly Americans may face difficulties in getting to the store, having enough money to buy food, or may find cooking difficult due to motor skill problems, stamina, and illness. Living alone also may negatively affect seniors' appetites, which can have detrimental effects on their health and well-being. However, many options exist which can make it easier for elderly individuals to keep healthy and improve their nutrition. Some of these are:

* Enrollment in the Food Stamp Program.
* Participating in group meal and senior meal programs which may help boost appetite.
* Extending food budgets by purchasing low-cost, high-nutrient foods (beans, peas, rice, pasta), store specials, and less-costly store brands.
* Ordering groceries from stores that offer delivery.
* Finding volunteer assistance through community centers, churches, synagogues; utilizing home health workers or family members; having meals delivered to the home.
* Using microwaves to prepare frozen foods and ready-made foods from stores.

17. New York City's Food Charities Meeting Rising Demands With Online Strategy
(Queens Chronicle, January 10, 2008)

The New York City Coalition Against Hunger is looking to increase and maintain its volunteer base through a new online initiative which will match potential workers with needy food pantries and soup kitchens. Volunteers can search online at www.nyccah.org for opportunities that match their skills in the city's outer boroughs - Queens in particular. The initiative is part of the city-wide response to increased demands on food pantries and soup kitchens; in Queens, 83 percent of 54 organizations surveyed reported the increase, with 20 percent citywide reporting increases. Organizations are also reporting difficulties keeping food pantries supplied. Christy Robb, of Long Island City's Hour Children, is looking to the upcoming Farm Bill reauthorization to "to see food stamp allocations go up substantially."

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