1.  Study Finds Working Poor Struggling in Nine States, District of Columbia

(Asheville Citizen-Times, October 11, 2007)

One in five low-income working families struggle to make ends, even with federal assistance programs, according to a study released by the Center for Economic and Policy Research. The Center studied nine states and the District of Columbia to assess whether working families earning low wages were being helped by government supports. “An increasing number of jobs are low-wage and without benefits,” said John Quinterno of the N.C. Budget and Tax Center. “These support systems were set up for nonworking families, but most people who need them now are working.” The report, “Bridging the Gaps: A Picture of How Work Supports Work for Working Families,” looked at eligibility and participation in six work support programs: child care assistance, Earned Income Tax Credit, food stamps, housing assistance, Medicaid/State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) and Temporary Assistance to Needy Families.

2.Op-Ed: Farm Bill Will Provide Vital Assistance

(The Coloradoan, October 15, 2007)

Food stamp benefits and federal assistance qualifications have not kept up with inflation or the increase in living expenses like gasoline or electricity, writes Amy Pezzani, executive director of the Food Bank for Larimer County (Colo.) in this op-ed. In Larimer County, more than 20,000 residents are considered to be food insecure. According to Pezzani, the federal nutrition programs, like food stamps, are the core of the Farm Bill’s nutrition title. “Achieving a strong nutrition title in the Farm Bill this year is one of the most important things Congress can do to help ensure no one in America goes to bed hungry,” she writes.

 3. Japan’s Welfare System Challenged after Recent Deaths

(New York Times, October 12, 2007)

A man in Kitakyushu, Japan is the third to die from apparent starvation after his welfare benefits had been refused and cut off. His journal – the discovery of which attracted national attention – chronicled his last days, including his desire to eat a rice ball (worth about $1). Kitakyushu was considered a model city in Japan for its low welfare rate growth. In Japan, the welfare rate rose from 0.84 percent in 2000 to 1.18 percent in 2006. Over the same time span, Kitakyushu experienced minimal growth – an increase from 1.26 percent to 1.28 percent. According to experts, the widening income gap in Japan has pushed up welfare rates in recent years and cities are under pressure to tighten eligibility. Takaharu Fujiyabu, a former caseworker, pointed out that caseworkers are required to remove five people a year from welfare. Toshihiko Misaki, the head of the city’s welfare section, said the quotas will be eliminated next year.

4. Hunger Continues to Rise in Iowa

(Des Moines Register, October 18, 2007)

More than 132,000 households in Iowa are considered to be food insecure, with a third saying they run out of food and a majority skipping or cutting meals. According to a report released by  Drake University's Agricultural Law Center, hunger is on the rise in Iowa. The report found that 40 percent of the babies born in Iowa are receiving WIC (Women, Infants, and Children). While poverty and unemployment in the state could account for some of the problem –Iowa’s 2005 unemployment rate was 11.3 percent – many food-insecure households are working, but earning low wages.

5.Food Pantries Facing Shortages

(New York Times, October 18, 2007)

Food Bank for New York City, the largest distributor of free food in the city, has been crippled by what officials describe as its worst food shortage in years. “It’s the first time in a few years that I could walk into the warehouse and see empty shelves,” said Lucy Cabrera, president and chief executive of the Food Bank. New York City New York City receives about half the amount of emergency food annually from the federal government that it did three years ago, according to a study by the Food Bank and Cornell University. Officials say that the Farm Bill, when passed, could improve the situation. The House of Representatives version of the Farm Bill included funding increases for food stamps and other nutrition programs by $4 billion. The Farm Bill is being considered now by the Senate.

6.Phones Going Unanswered at Call Centers

(Star-Telegram, October 14, 2007)

Columnist Dave Lieber tested out the telephone service for the Texas Health and Human Services Commission offices went, and found that his calls were rarely answered or connected to a confusing and frustrating automated system. A spokesperson for HHS spokesperson said they are aware of the problems and changes are forthcoming. New phone systems will be installed in 22 of more than 300 field offices. Most of the 22 offices are in urban areas, where phones are less likely to be answered, said HHS. According to Lieber, these problems stem from the recent attempt by Texas to outsource the call centers to the private sector. Officials called off the switch earlier this year.

7. Connecticut Farmers’ Market Recognized

(Yale Daily News, October 18, 2007)

CitySeed Farmers’ Market (New Haven, Ct.) was recognized recently by USA Today as one of the top ten farmers’ markets. Markets were chosen based on their work with local growers and accessibility to the community. “We were thrilled … because it specifically listed that we were accessible to the community,” said CitySeed executive director Jennifer McTiernan. Since its start in 2004, CitySeed has accepted Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program coupons and food stamps to allow low-income New Haven residents to use their benefits at the market.  

8. New York Council on Food Policy Holds First Meeting

(Press and Sun Bulletin, October 15, 2007)

The Council on Food Policy held its first meeting, and is charged with the goal of developing a plan for the state to increase the availability of affordable, fresh and nutritious food. Patrick Hooker, state Agriculture and Markets commissioner and chairman of the council, said the group is trying to answer the needs of both farmers and consumers. “Our poorest inner cities and rural counties have the biggest challenge," Hooker said. Members of the council suggested several strategies, including possible tax incentives for building more grocery stores in urban areas, raising awareness of farmers’ markets, informing people they can use their food stamps at markets, and more nutrition education for consumers.

9.  Katrina Evacuees Still Struggle

(Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, October 14, 2007)

Many of those who evacuated New Orleans during hurricane Katrina are struggling to make ends meet in their new cities. Eugenia Brown had her own business in New Orleans, but now finds it a challenge to provide for her family. Brown, who lives now in Houston, pays the “important bills” first, but finds she has little left for groceries and does not qualify for food stamps. “I'm not used to going to the refrigerator and nothing but ice being there,” said Brown. “We went from being middle-class to being below the national poverty level.”

10.  State Nutrition Programs in Texas Now Administered by Department of Agriculture

(North Texas News, October 15, 2007)

As of October 1, the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) will administer the nutrition programs, which were previously managed by the state’s Health and Human Services Commission. Agricultural Commissioner, Todd Staples, says centralizing nutrition programs under one state agency will enhance the level of service for the Texan clients who need the programs. TDA will now administer the School Breakfast Program and National School Lunch Program for private and faith-based schools, Summer Food Service Program, Special Milk Program, Child and Adult Care Food Program, Food Distribution Program, Commodity Supplemental Food Program and the Texas Commodity Assistance Program.

11.  CharterSchoolNetwork Emphasizes Healthy Eating, Exercise

(Chicago Tribune, October 15, 2007)

Chicago International Charter Schools (CICS), an 11-school network, celebrated its tenth anniversary with an event that included dancing, yoga, and healthy snacks. "We're primarily focused on academics," said Beth Purvis, executive director of the CICS network. "But being successful is not just reading, writing and arithmetic. You also need to understand that it's important to eat well and have a healthy lifestyle." Parents are pleased with the emphasis on health, including Pam Jackson who sends her children to the charter schools. "It's lifelong learning. If we start them early on health and fitness, it will carry forward," said R.J. McMahon, the school's director of development.

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