FRAC News Digest - July 9, 2004

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 27, July 9, 2004

Child Nutrition Reauthorization Highlights Online
Food Stamp Participation Increases in April 2004 to 23.9 Million Persons
Poverty Line "Would Make Ebenezer Scrooge Blush"
Obesity in Pregnancy Linked to Obese Preschoolers
Wage Hike for Bottom 5 Percent Spurs Productivity
Milk May Lower Risk of Colorectal Cancer
Healthy Vending Machines Introduced Nationwide
Bible's Lesson to Feed Hungry Going Unheeded, Says Congressman
St. Louis: Summer Food Program Feeding Potential
Oregon: Senator Hears Problems Plaguing Poorest
Florida: Privatizing Welfare Would Benefit Business and Hurt Needy
Maryland: Electronic Food Stamps Afford Dignity
Texas: Lawmaker Calls for Free Breakfast in Schools
Milwaukee: Free Summer Meals and Harley-Davidson "Fuel" Young Minds
Oregon: Free Lunches for Kids Bolster War on Hunger
Oregon: Nutrition Education Served with Lunch
Albuquerque: Summer Meal Program Grows to Meet Deeper Poverty
California: High Prices Burden WIC
South Carolina: Laws Shrink Welfare Rolls but Increase Poverty

1. Child Nutrition Reauthorization Highlights Online

(Food Research & Action Center, July 2004)

On Wednesday, June 30, 2004, President Bush signed the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004 into law (Public Law 108-265). The Act expands the availability of nutritious meals and snacks to more children in school, in outside school hours programs and in child care, and improves the quality of food in schools. Click here for a summary of the major provisions of the law and links to other key documents.

http://www.frac.org/html/federal_food_programs/cnreauthor/cnrc_highlights.htm

2. Food Stamp Participation Increases in April 2004 to 23.9 Million Persons

(Food Research & Action Center, July 2004)

Participation in the Food Stamp Program in April 2004 (the latest data available) increased by 81,809 persons from the previous month, to 23,884,312 persons. Participation has now increased for 21 out of the last 22 months, due to continuing high rates of joblessness, wage stagnation, states improving access, and the effects of the food stamp reauthorization implementation. The April 2004 level of Food Stamp Program participation represented a rise of more than 2.6 million persons compared to the April 2003 level. Click here for the full article.

http://www.frac.org/html/news/fsp/04.04_FSP.html

3. Poverty Line "Would Make Ebenezer Scrooge Blush"

("America accepts defeat in its war on poverty," Charlotte Observer, June 24, 2004)

Columnist David Jones calls the federal poverty definition --- $18,392 for a family of four "absurd" --- totally inadequate for covering food, clothing, housing, and medical care. It requires "a level of parsimony that would make Ebenezer Scrooge blush." The number of people in poverty is growing, up 1.7 million from 2001 to 2002. "It is nearly impossible, now, to work yourself into the middle class," writes Jones. While his parents' generation "was convinced that hard work would create a better life," families now are working full-time and still poor. "What distresses me is that none of our political leaders seem to care. No one seems to care," writes Jones. "We ought to be ashamed." Click here for the full article.

http://www.charlotte.com/mld/observer/news/opinion/8998282.htm

4. Obesity in Pregnancy Linked to Obese Preschoolers

("Predicting Preschooler Obesity at Birth: The Role of Maternal Obesity in Early Pregnancy," Pediatrics, July 2004)

Low-income children are more than twice as likely to be obese at 2 to 4 years of age if their mothers were obese during early pregnancy, according to a study in July's Pediatrics. The study surveyed 8,494 children participating in the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) nutrition program in Ohio. Click here for the full article.

http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/114/1/e29

5. Wage Hike for Bottom 5 Percent Spurs Productivity

("Wage hike for bottom 5 percent spurs productivity," Daytona Beach News-Journal, June 24, 2004)

Opponents to a minimum wage hike argue small businesses would not hire as many young and poor workers at a higher salary, contributing to a higher unemployment rate. However, in 1996, the minimum wage rose 50 cents and overall employment continued growing. The same was true after a 1997 increase. The gap between the minimum and average wages has widened compared to the 1950s and 60s, suggesting a growing gap between the poor and the rest of the population. In supporting the minimum wage, Franklin Roosevelt said, "No business which depends for existence on paying less than living wages to its workers has any right to continue in this country." Click here for the full article.

http://www.news-journalonline.com/NewsJournalOnline/Opinion/
Editorials/03OpOP062404.htm

6. Milk May Lower Risk of Colorectal Cancer

("Milk may lower risk of colorectal cancer," Seattle Post-Intelligencer, July 6, 2004)

Drinking at least one glass of milk a day may lower the risk of colorectal cancer, according to a study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Previous studies have shown high calcium consumption reduces the occurrence of polyps that can turn cancerous, but failed to conclusively find a lowered cancer risk. Researchers at Boston's Brigham and Women's Hospital reviewed 10 studies that tracked nutrient consumption of more than 500,000 people. Total calcium intake, combining diet and calcium supplements, of 1,000 milligrams a day may have meant 15 percent fewer cases of colorectal cancer among women and 10 percent fewer among men. Click here for the full article.

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/apscience_story.asp?category=1500&slug
=FIT%20Milk%20Colon%20Cancer

7. Healthy Vending Machines Introduced Nationwide

("Even vending food gets better for you," USA Today, July 6, 2004)

Vending machines selling such healthy choices as fresh melon and berry fruit cups, turkey and reduced-fat cheese wraps, granola bars, and water will be installed nationwide, announced Canteen Vending Services, one of North America's largest vending machine operators. Healthy choice machines will be installed in 11 cities, including New York, Chicago, Boston, and San Francisco, with plans to install machines in dozens more cities over the next five years. The move responds to consumer demand. Some communities now require by law that vending machines provide more nutritious snacks and beverages. In workplaces as well, the hotbed of vending sales, companies are pushing for better nutrition in machines. Click here for the full article.

http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/food/2004-07-06-vending_x.htm

8. Bible's Lesson to Feed Hungry Going Unheeded, Says Congressman

("Congressman poses gospel challenge," Worldwide Faith News, July 2, 2004)

"When I was hungry, did you feed me?" Rep. Robert C. "Bobby" Scott (D-VA) asked, referring to a Bible passage at the annual Assembly dinner hosted by the Presbyterian Washington Office. Scott said today's politicians would respond," 'Well, we did cut back on school lunches, and we cut back on food stamps...but we gave tax cuts to the rich.' " Scott's remarks drew from Matthew 25 in the Bible about ministering to the hungry, sick, and imprisoned. He was one of two recipients of the Washington Office's annual Partnership in Mission for Public Policy Advocacy Awards. Click here for the full article.

http://wfn.org/2004/07/msg00039.html

9. St. Louis: Summer Food Program Feeding Potential

("Hunger: Starving potential," STLtoday.com, July 5, 2004)

Free breakfast and lunch are available to children up to age 18 at 162 schools, recreation centers, day camps and churches throughout St. Louis this summer, and operate through September 3. The St. Louis summer meal program has won two national awards, but Bill Siedhoff, head of the city's human services department, would like the program to serve even more children. Last summer the daily average attendance was 16,000 children, less than half the number of children receiving school breakfast, lunch and snacks during the school year. Siedhoff fears children are going hungry in the summertime because their parents do not know about the program. He says hunger stalks children even during summer when they deserve the luxury of having fun without worrying about having too little to eat. The latest Kids Count found 80.4 percent of St. Louis families qualify for the school lunch program. The high poverty rate inflicts a price on society in the form of higher-than-necessary health care costs and social development costs for youngsters, since children who are malnourished are at greater risk for health and behavioral problems. Click here for the full article.

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/News/Editorial+%2F+Commentary/
2883AFD02ED40BE686256EC600389AA8?OpenDocument&Headline=HUNGER%3A
+Starving+potential&highlight=2%2Cstarving%2Cpotential

10. Oregon: Senator Hears Problems Plaguing Poorest

("Smith hears of challenges facing area's poor," The Register Guard, July 1, 2004)

Senate Hunger Awareness Caucus co-founder Senator Gordon Smith met recently with food bank employees, low-income residents, and social service agency workers in Oregon. Pauline Lane, a food pantry manager, notes that shame keeps families from asking for help. People who visit her office to apply for food stamps reject the boxes of food she offers them. Centro LatinoAmericano's Director Carmen Urbina, described an encounter with a diabetic woman seeking help. "She had $20 and had to choose between food for her children or insulin." Urbina challenged the senator's belief that low-income families struggle more with food insecurity --- worry about going hungry --- rather than hunger. "I know Third World poverty and we are one step from starvation," she said. Working is no longer protection against going hungry. Click here for the full article.

http://www.registerguard.com/news/2004/07/01/d1.cr.food.0701.html

11. Florida: Privatizing Welfare Would Benefit Business and Hurt Needy

("Poverty for Sale," Florida Today, July 4, 2004)

Florida hopes to contract its welfare system, including food stamps, Medicaid, and temporary emergency cash assistance operations, to private corporations. Both of Florida's U.S. Senators worry the most needy will be the biggest losers in a privatization scheme. This editorial agrees. Florida's plan allows contractors to create the standards of service by which they would be judged. However, they would not be required to set a floor for the minimum percentage of eligible persons they must serve. The ability to determine eligibility for welfare benefits must be motivated by serving legitimately needy individuals, not the need "to improve company profits." The long term benefit of privatization to taxpayers is questionable when considering the state's other failed attempts to privatize. "So why the rush?" asks the editorial. "It must be tee time at the golf course" for lobbyists with links to the governor. This is a "sweetheart deal, with a whole lot of mutual back-scratching going on...And the poor will suffer." Click here for the full article.

http://www.floridatoday.com/!NEWSROOM/opedstoryN0705WELFARE.htm

12. Maryland: Electronic Food Stamps Afford Dignity

("To Afford Dignity," The Baltimore Sun, July 3, 2004)

The Food Stamp Program has transitioned in every state to a debit card-like Electornic Benefits Transfer (EBT) system. In Texas, it is known as the Lone Star Card, in California the Golden State Advantage Card. There is also the Louisiana Purchase Card, the Virginia Cardinal Card, the Hoosier Works card in Indiana and the Independence Card of Maryland. This new electronic system is easier to manage and can produce operational savings, while deterring theft, errors, and some types of fraud. EBT has eased transactions at supermarkets and helped eliminate the stigma around food stamps. One Baltimore grandmother welcomes EBT but wishes it looked more like a regular banking card. U.S. Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman has solicited ideas for a new name for the food stamp program to better reflect the program's nutrition mission. Food stamps were originally orange and blue stamps which could be exchanged at markets for government surplus foodstuffs when they served as many as 4 million Americans between 1939 and 1943. Click here for the full article.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/bal-ed.stamps
03jul03,0,3433304.story?coll=bal-opinion-headlines

13. Texas: Lawmaker Calls for Free Breakfast in Schools

("Working to prevent hunger in the classroom," Brownsville Herald, June 29, 2004)

Skipping breakfast can lead to very hungry children overeating later in the day to compensate. Poverty and our fast-paced lifestyles mean some children miss a nutritious breakfast, even though children who eat breakfast have higher math and reading scores, and are faster on and have better memory in cognitive tests. According to the Food Research and Action Center, families have difficulty preparing and sitting down for a nutritious breakfast due to early morning bus schedules, long job commutes, and nontraditional work hours. This article's author, Eddie Lucio Jr., chairman of the Joint Interim Committee on Nutrition and Health in Public Schools, has as a high legislative priority to obtain a universal free breakfast program in all Texas public schools. Universal free breakfast may help prevent obesity in adulthood, reduce stigma in school meal programs, and reduce paperwork. Lucio also praises the Summer Food Service Program. Click here for the full article.

http://www.brownsvilleherald.com/opinions_comments.php?id=59916_0_11_0_C

Related studies on FRAC's website:

"Lower Risk of Overweight in School-aged Food Insecure Girls Who Participate in Food Assistance"
http://www.frac.org/html/news/090503obesity_reduction.htm

"Eating Breakfast Greatly Improves Schoolchildren's Diet Quality"
http://www.usda.gov/cnpp/Insights/insight15.PDF

14. Milwaukee: Free Summer Meals and Harley-Davidson "Fuel" Young Minds

("Press Release: Harley-Davidson Feeding Milwaukee's Children; Fueling Young Minds," Hunger Task Force, June 8, 2004)

This year, more children than ever will receive free healthy meals all summer long, thanks to a major gift from the Harley-Davidson Foundation and the leadership of Milwaukee's Hunger Task Force, working closely with Milwaukee Public Schools, the Social Development Commission, the Salvation Army, and several community-based organizations. The Hunger Task Force and other groups identified the need for an expanded summer meals program in more neighborhoods for more weeks when they noticed a growing number of unaccompanied children seeking food at emergency food pantries during the summer months. This summer every child in Milwaukee can get a hot meal at 44 Milwaukee public schools or a sack lunch at more than 40 other key sites. Click here for the full article.

http://hungertaskforce.org/Whats_Happening/Summer_Meals_04.html

15. Oregon: Free Lunches for Kids Bolster War on Hunger

("Free lunches for kids bolster war on hunger," Oregon Live, July 5, 2004)

More and more, summer meals are being combined with day camps, parks, community centers, pools and other summertime programs. The blend offers both food and fun, says Holly Walkalis, program coordinator for the Oregon Hunger Relief Task Force. "We try to make it so it is not a soup kitchen for kids," says Walkalis. These programs are part of Governor Ted Kulongski's commitment to eliminate hunger in the state, where the food insecurity rate is one of the worst in the nation. The governor convened a hunger summit in April, has asked residents to give more to food banks, and wants more investment in job creation, affordable housing, and health care. Click here for the full article.

http://www.oregonlive.com/news/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/news/1089028613224970.xml

16. Oregon: Nutrition Education Served with Lunch

("Children gain lessons they can lunch on," Oregon Live, July 7, 2004)

Nutrition education is being offered to children with their free summer lunch in thirteen schools of the Beaverton School District. The nutrition program is a new collaborative effort between the school district and the Oregon State University Extension Food and Nutrition Education Programs. Students get lessons and recipes for making things like tacos, fruit salads, tuna turnovers, fruit smoothies, and vegetable burritos. The education program also emphasizes buying fresh locally grown produce. Some parents, impressed with the program's success, have expressed interest in incorporating it into the regular school curriculum. Marueen Quinn, an OSU Extension Service nutrition expert remarks that, "They all work together...It takes a village to make a burrito." Click here for the full article.

http://www.oregonlive.com/news/oregonian/jerry_boone/index.ssf?/
base/metro_west_news/108920268046160.xml

17. Albuquerque: Summer Meal Program Grows to Meet Deeper Poverty

("And the eatin' is easy," Albuquerque Tribune, July 7, 2004)

The summer meal program in Albuquerque has increasingly served more children since it began 36 years ago, and "the statistics show that our eligibility area is getting poorer and poorer," said Henry Saavedra, the city's summer food program manager. The program served free lunch to about 7,000 children when he began in 1986. The number of participants grew to 17,000 children at 210 sites, but has leveled off in recent years. The program helps parents meet their children's needs and parents who work during the day. "Sometimes, this is the only meal some kids get," said an official. Click here for the full article.

http://www.abqtrib.com/archives/news04/070704_news_lunch.shtml

18. California: High Prices Burden WIC

("High prices burden WIC," Visalia Times Delta, June 30, 2004)

Food stores in California catering exclusively to participants in the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program are charging as much as 16 percent more than supermarkets. Higher prices strain the state's WIC budget, potentially limiting the number of people the program can serve. Laurie True, executive director of the California WIC Association, says uncertain federal funding, rising dairy prices and higher prices at WIC-only stores have combined to create "a crisis point," although there is a "trade off" for participants between higher prices and a more comfortable environment for mothers at WIC-only stores. At a traditional grocery store, one WIC participant said it is embarrassing because other shoppers glare or the WIC coupons hold up the line. The recently passed Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004 seeks to resolve the price difference by requiring states to provide a system with maximum prices, in an attempt to make prices comparable to regular groceries. Martha Whitfield, owner of a WIC-only store, is confident the act will not affect her business much because her prices are already kept in check. Click here for the full article.

http://www.visaliatimesdelta.com/news/stories/20040630/localnews/748441.html

19. South Carolina: Laws Shrink Welfare Rolls but Increase Poverty

("DSS says laws shrink welfare rolls but increase poverty," WISTV, July 6, 2004)

South Carolina's welfare-to-work program has slashed welfare rolls but driven many families deeper into poverty, according to research by the Department of Social Services. The South Carolina law imposes a lifetime limit on welfare of 24 months. The number of families in South Carolina on welfare has plummeted from 50,000 to 17,000. After leaving welfare, many became more impoverished, according to social services officials. Three quarters of the people in the study who had left welfare earned less than $8 an hour. Click here for the full article.

http://www.wistv.com/Global/story.asp?S=2003305&nav=0RaPOUtw