1. JCPA leaders to take the Food Stamp Challenge
JCPA.org, August 15, 2007

The Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA) is launching an anti-poverty initiative, and will kick off the campaign by taking the Food Stamp Challenge. In the challenge, participants use the average food stamp allotment of $1 per person per meal as their entire weekly budget for food and beverages. Rabbi Steve Gutow, Executive Director of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA), and JCPA Chair Lois Frank will take the challenge during the week between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur (September 14 – 21). According to the JCPA, leaders from more than a dozen communities have committed to taking the challenge. They encourage other community members to join them in taking the challenge.

Read more:
FRAC’s ongoing coverage of the Food Stamp Challenges

  2. Arkansas officials take three-day hunger challenge

Arkansas Democrat Gazette, August 18, 2007

For three days, 25 Arkansas state legislators participated in the Food Stamp Challenge and ate on $3 a day. Legislators who participated in the challenge said they would not forget their experiences and promised to work to end hunger in the state. State Rep. Kathy Webb (D-Little Rock), who issued the challenge, announced that she and Rep. Rick Green (R-Van Buren) would co-chair a state hunger caucus. They plan to file by September an interim study on addressing hunger in Arkansas so that fellow legislators will be able to review options at the start of the 2009 session, said Webb.

  3. Editorial: More robust safety net necessary

New York Times, August 16, 2007 (subscription needed)

The United States ’ lack of investment in social programs is “becoming an economic handicap,” says this editorial from The New York Times. The editorial points out that America's spending on social programs like food stamps and Medicare is “almost the stingiest among industrialized nations… grouped in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.” Only four other countries in the OECD – Turkey, Mexico, South Korea , and Ireland – spend less on social programs. “To reap the benefits of globalization, the government must provide a more robust safety net – to ensure public support for an open economy and protect vulnerable workers,” said the editorial.

  4. Food prices continue to climb

Daily American, August 25, 2007

Food costs have increased by more than four percent since January, with prices for food containing high levels of protein seeing the most dramatic increases. Beef prices shot up by 6.4 percent, and poultry prices increased by 7.8 percent. Milk costs have increased by 9.5 percent. “It's unbelievable the prices, the percentages they've raised,” said Lee Moran, director of food services at Conemaugh Township Area School District (Pa.). The school district recently raised prices for lunch and a la carte menu items. “We all know people should try to buy a variety of foods. But sometimes when pocketbooks are stretched, we find people are buying foods that will just fill their bellies and are cheaper items,” said Sue Mitchem, communications director for the Pennsylvania Hunger Action Center. According to Mitchem, rising food costs can be trying for households on fixed incomes, especially senior citizens. The U.S. Department of Agriculture forecasts a food inflation rate of 4 – 4.5 percent, with the greatest increases to be seen in dairy and eggs.

  5. Proposed rule for new WIC food package sent to OMB

The U.S. Department of Agriculture forwarded its proposed rule for the new WIC food packages to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). OMB has up to 90 days to review the proposed rule. The proposed changes include the addition of fresh fruits and vegetables to the food packages.

Read more:

FRAC’s Web site on the WIC food packages

  6. Colorado seeking return on food stamp overpayments

CBS4, August 15, 2007

When first put into place three years ago, the Colorado Benefits Management System encountered a number of problems, including cutting off some Coloradans from food stamp benefits or overpaying benefits to some individuals. This past spring, Colorado’s Department of Health and Human Services sent out letters asking food stamp recipients to repay any extra benefits they received. “I don’t have the cash,” said Brenda Bickerton, a former food stamp recipient who received a letter from the state. “If they overpaid me this much, then I’m sure they overpaid other people just as much… And they can’t afford it any more than I can.” Bickerton requested a hearing since she was concerned about the State’s accounting of much she owed. One letter placed the repayment at $1,511, while another letter said she owed $3,668. The judge ruled in Bickerton’s favor.  Liz McDonough, spokesperson for the department, said that the computer system is “significantly improved from three years ago, but not perfect.”

  7. New Britain school offers in-classroom breakfast

Hartford Courant, August 26, 2007

Participation in the School Breakfast Program increased from 95 children to nearly 300 children after North End Elementary School in New Britain , Ct. began to offer breakfast in the classroom. The staff was initially hesitant about offering in-classroom breakfast, but found that children were more attentive and ready to learn after they ate. Mike Koch, who co-directs the food service program for New Britain schools, says he can envision expanding the program to other schools. According to Lucy Nolan, executive director of End Hunger CT , the benefits of a good breakfast are obvious. Nolan, along with other anti-hunger advocates, plans to work with the legislature on initiatives that address childhood hunger, including school breakfasts. For the past two years, the state has ranked last in the nation in the number of schools that participate in the school breakfast program, according to FRAC. In Connecticut, just 55.5 percent of schools that offer lunch also serve breakfast.

  8. Maryland ranks in top five for summer nutrition participation

Southern Maryland Online, August 18, 2007

For the second year in a row, Maryland ranked among the top five states in reaching children with the summer nutrition program, according to FRAC’s Hunger Doesn’t Take a Vacation. Participation increased by 15 percent from July 2005 to July 2006. "Good nutrition is important for children's health and well-being year round and Maryland will continue to work hard to ensure that children who rely on school meals during the school year receive nutritious meals during the summer months," said State Superintendent Nancy S. Grasmick. "Our responsibility to children doesn't end when school lets out."

  9. Indianapolis school honored for wellness program

Indianapolis Star, August 23

Cherry Tree Elementary School (Ind.) was one of 26 schools nationwide honored by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation for instituting school programs that encourage healthy eating and exercise. Kindergarten and first grade students at Cherry Tree Elementary School (Ind.) can participate in the running/walking club, where they run or walk a quarter mile before recess. "It's pretty fun," said first grader Austin Roberts. "I like the running part, to get healthier. It makes you feel good. Sometimes I run with my whole family.” The school also offers fitness breaks, healthier snack choices during movie nights and holiday parties, and airs one-minute workouts as part of its school announcements during the day.

  10. Simulation gives participants glimpse into lives of low-income households

Evansville Courier-Press, August 21, 2007

Social services workers with the Community Action Program of Evansville ( Ill.) ( CAPE) participated in a simulation designed to demonstrate the challenges facing individuals trying to navigate the red tape in applying for assistance programs. Participants were given fictional profiles and asked to live on a limited budget during 15-minute weeks. Tables were set up to represent various social service agencies. “What we're attempting to help our staff understand is the challenges that the customers, the families that we work with, have on a daily basis," said Alice Weathers, executive director of CAPE. "And we hope that just going through this experience that they will come out with more sensitivity and understanding." CAPE employee Mike Ritterskamp said the simulation was enlightening. During the simulation, Ritterskamp found himself frustrated as he went from agency to agency. “Not having the tools at my disposal to do what I wanted to do when I wanted to do it was the most infuriating thing," he said. “I benefited from the experience immensely."