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.
Issue 16, April 16, 2007
1. 2007 Farm Bill Update: Possible Increases in Food Stamp Spending
("Brasher: Anti-Hunger Groups Hitch Hopes on Farm Bill Cash," desmoinsregister.com, April 8, 2007)
The 2007 Farm Bill budget proposals include the possibility for additional funding for the Food Stamp Program. The House-passed budget would allow up to $20 billion in additional farm-bill spending over five years. The Senate version allows up to $15 billion. But, these proposals still have a long way to go before these reserve funds find their way to particular programs. The inclusion of additional funds in the 2007 Farm Bill is also dependent on budget cuts or tax increases. Anti-hunger groups are pushing for additional spending, including an increase in funding for food stamps so that millions of low-income people who still need assistance can utilize the program and increase benefit amounts.
2. Wade Horn, Assistant Secretary for Children and Families, Resigns
("Assistant Secretary for Children and Families Resigns," chron.com, April 2, 2007)
Wade Horn resigned as assistant secretary for children and families in the Department of Health and Human Services. Confirmed by the Senate in 2001, Horn oversaw a $46 billion budget and 65 programs that serve low-income children and families. He is best known for his work on issues embraced by social conservatives, such as more money for faith-based groups. Horn plans to work for Deloitte & Touche LLP. "It's been a privilege. How often do you have the opportunity to get up each morning and affect the lives of million of children and families in positive ways," Horn said.
3. EPI Snapshot: Recovery Lags Post WWII Average in All Areas except Corporate Profits
("Current Recovery Great for Profits, Poor by Most Other Measures," epi.org, April 4, 2007)
This economic snapshot compares growth in GDP, employment, equipment and software investment, residential investment and corporate profits over the past five years, during the most recent economic recovery, with the average for similar periods since World War II. In all measures except growth in corporate profits, the current recovery is weaker than average. "As a policy lesson, the large tax cuts of 2001 and 2003, which have had ample time to affect the economy by now, have failed to deliver economic performance that even matches up to the past average."
4. CDC Report: Diet, Exercise Adequate for Only One in Seven Americans
("Most Americans don't eat smart and exercise: CDC," reuters.com, April 5, 2007)
According to researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 14.6 percent of Americans met dietary and exercise benchmarks recommended by the federal government. The recommendations include eating at least five servings per day of fruits and vegetables, and engaging in at least 30 minutes of moderately intense exercise five days per week. Only 12.4 percent of men met the benchmarks, while 16.6 percent of women met them. The percentage of men and women who met the benchmarks was lower among racial and ethnic minority communities than in white communities. Researchers attributed part of this difference to a lack of exercise facilities in lower-income communities. The report was based on self-reported data from a 2005 telephone survey of 356,112 Americans.
5. New Jersey: LaTourette Receives Award for Advocacy Work
("Piermont Woman Fights for Hunger, Poverty Changes in New Jersey," nyjournalnews.com, April 5, 2007)
Adele, program director of the Statewide Emergency Food and Anti-Hunger Network, has spent much of her career fighting hunger in New Jersey. She started out bagging groceries at a food pantry and now regularly meets with the Governor and state legislators to press for changes to state policies. Her efforts have resulted in funding increases, especially for federal school lunch and breakfast programs. "The things she's done over a period of many years ensures that people are fed in New Jersey… She's an incredibly valuable resource for the people in New Jersey," said Jim Weill, president of the Food Research and Action Center. Recently, she received the Raymond Wheeler/Paul Wellstone Award at the annual National Anti-Hunger Policy Conference in Washington, D.C. as recognition of her efforts. "I feel very strongly about justice. What's upsetting is that people deserve the right to live in dignity and to be given an equal shot," LaTourette said. "Some have such basic needs, others have so much."
6. Michigan: Food Stamp Use Jumps 20 Percent over Last Four Years
("More People Relying on Food Stamps in Michigan," abclocal.go.com/wjrt/, April 3, 2007)
According to a recent study, food stamp participation in Michigan has increased 20 percent since 2003. Saginaw County was among areas that saw the largest increases. A weak economy, high unemployment, and program outreach were cited as reasons for the increase. "It's a program that's now helping working families and seniors and folks with disabilities," said Terri Stangl of the Saginaw Center for Civil Justice. "You can have several thousand dollars per month for a family of three and still qualify," Stangl said. "Things like a house and a car and a small bank account don't necessarily keep you off the program anymore." Because the benefits are not keeping pace with food prices, Stangl and others have lobbied the state legislature to adjust Food Stamp Program benefits with the cost of living.
7. California: Bill Eliminating Photo and Fingerprinting Requirements Passes Committee
("Regional: New Law Provides Food Stamps Without Finger Prints," cbs5.com, April 11, 2007)
A bill eliminating the requirement that food stamp applicants get photographed and fingerprinted has passed the Assembly Human Services Committee in the California Legislature. Assemblyman Mark Leno, D-San Francisco, proposed the bill (AB 1382) to increase participation in the Food Stamp Program among California's working poor. Only three other states require fingerprinting: Arizona, New York, and Texas. California ranks last in the nation in program participation with 46 percent of residents using the program. In comparison, Missouri and Tennessee enroll 83 percent of eligible participants in the program. Boosting enrollment in the Food Stamp Program would bring an additional $2 billion in federal funds to the state, which would also generate $37 million in state and $12 million in county tax revenue.
8. Oregon: Governor Takes Food Stamp Challenge for Hunger Awareness Week
("Governor Challenges Oregonians to Food Stamp Challenge," salem-news.com, April 12, 2007)
Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski and his wife, Mary Oberst, are taking part in a food stamp challenge during Hunger Awareness Week, April 23-29. The challenge is to live on an average Food Stamp Program benefit of $21 per person per week. "Budgeting just $1 a meal each day for food, and trying to make that food nutritious, is a difficult task that sadly is a reality for too many Oregonians and their families," said Gov. Kulongoski. The Governor has participated in the challenge every April since taking office. In Oregon, more than 425,000 people participate in the program every month, generating $855 million of economic activity in the state.
9. California: Nutrition Education Encourages Healthier Eating in San Joaquin County
("Parents Get Lesson in Smoothies," recordnet.com, April 6, 2007)
Workshops, such as one at the Lincoln Unified School District's Even Start Family Education Center, teach parents and children how to prepare healthy snacks and meals with inexpensive ingredients. The Lincoln Unified program, funded with grant money from First 5 San Joaquin, taught mothers how to make healthy smoothies, snacks and baby foods. A 2004 report by a coalition of community groups and the county Public Health Services Department of Stockton, found that stores in Stockton's low-income neighborhoods stocked few healthy foods and carried poor quality fruits and vegetables. The food bank plans to launch a "Mobile Farmer's Market Program," which will distribute fresh fruits and vegetables to poorer areas and will include nutrition education and cooking classes at 25 San Joaquin County locations.
10. Wyoming: Laramie County WIC Program Looking for New Home
("Office Move may Cause Program Blips," wyomingnews.com, April 8, 2007)
The Cheyenne-Laramie County Health Department has terminated the lease for the local WIC Program, which shares space in the City-County Health Building, because the County Health Department needs room to grow. The WIC Program is being relocated within 90 days, but the new space has yet to be determined. Advocates for the WIC Program say that the move could cause hardships for clients as well as disruptions in service. "Right now in the health department we have our own wing. It's very convenient for our participants," said Janet Moran, state WIC section chief. Referrals between WIC and other county programs are easily done at the present site, and the bus stops right outside the clinic.
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