FRAC News Digest - July 23, 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.

Note: Beginning July 23, the FRAC News Digest will run every 2 weeks until September 6, 2004.

Issue 29, July 23, 2004

FRAC Summer Food Report Estimates States Should be Reaching 3.2 Million Additional Children
Kids Eating School Breakfast More Likely to Have Healthier Diets
Hourly Pay in U.S. Not Keeping Pace With Prices
Demand at Food Banks Surges Across U.S., Including Suburbs
Public Investment Creates Wealth, Opportunities
Demonstration Projects Increase Seniors' Food Stamp Participation in Six States
On Several Indicators, Well-being of U.S. Children Up, but Poverty Rate Rising
Faith Groups Target Poverty
Texas: Budget Cuts Hitting Poor Families Hard
Texas: Free Breakfast Offered to Huntsville Schoolchildren
San Francisco: City's Free Lunch Program Reaching More Children
Washington, DC: Schools Get Healthy Vending Machines in Pilot Program
North Carolina: Nutrition Policy Approved for Chapel Hill-Carrboro Schools
New York: Legislature Approves Minimum Wage Hike to $7.15
Atlanta Food Bank Director Still Fighting Hunger 25 Years Later
Alaska: Food Banks Running Low on Food with Strong Demand
Maryland: Supermarkets Revitalize Baltimore Inner City

1. FRAC Summer Food Report Estimates States Should be Reaching 3.2 Million Additional Children

("Hunger Doesn't Take a Vacation," Food Research & Action Center, July 2004)

Only one in five of the 16 million low-income children who receive free or reduced price school lunches on a typical day during the regular school year is served by federal nutrition programs during the summer, according to the new report "Hunger Doesn't Take A Vacation" from the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC). FRAC's report ranks states by assessing their performance in reaching needy youngsters with either the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) or National School Lunch Program (NSLP) summer meals, compared to regular school year meals. The FRAC report also measures, state-by-state, how many more children would be served and how many more federal dollars would flow to the states, if each did as well as the states with the best records. Under this standard, states are failing to reach 3.2 million children per day in the summer and forgoing $166 million in federal funds.

http://www.frac.org/html/news/Press_07.22.04.html

2. Kids Eating School Breakfast More Likely to Have Healthier Diets

("Evaluating the Impact of School Nutrition Programs," USDA Economic Research Service, July 2004)

Children who have a School Breakfast Program (SBP) available have a better diet in general, consume a lower percentage of calories from fat, are less likely to have a low intake of magnesium, and are less likely to have low serum levels of vitamin C and folate, based on a recent study by the Economic Research Service. For every outcome examined, the availability of SBP either promotes better outcomes or is neutral. The results of the study suggest that the availability of SBP has positive effects on children. The study is based on a nationally representative sample.

http://www.ers.usda.gov/publications/efan04008/

3. Hourly Pay in U.S. Not Keeping Pace With Prices

("Hourly Pay in U.S. Not Keeping Pace With Prices," New York Times, July 18, 2004)

Pay for U.S. workers is not rising as fast as inflation. The hourly earnings of nonmanagement production workers, like assembly line workers, nurses, teachers and fast-food employees, fell 1.1 percent in June, after accounting for inflation, reported the Bureau of Labor Statistics. It represents the sharpest decline in real wages since the depth of the recession in mid-1991 and follows a drop of 0.8 percent in hourly wages in May. Three years of job losses have left a large worker surplus which results in no pressure on wage growth, said Jared Bernstein, an economist at the Economic Policy Institute. "There's a bit of a dichotomy," said Ethan Harris, chief economist at Lehman Brothers. "Proprietors' income is up. Profits are up." High-end retailers like Neiman Marcus are reporting great business. But wages on the bottom end are lagging, creating a lopsided expansion, causing even used car sales to lag, and striking a blow at the lower middle class.

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/07/18/business/18WAGES.html

"Inflation-adjsted wages fall again in June," Economic Policy Institute, July 16, 2004
http://www.epinet.org/content.cfm/webfeatures_snapshots_07162004

4. Demand at Food Banks Surges Across U.S., Including Suburbs

("Even in the suburbs, demand for food aid surges as families face hard times," Newsday, July 18, 2004)

Urban, rural, and suburban food banks nationwide are experiencing a flood of first-time clients. Many of the newcomers to Denver's Food Bank of the Rockies lost jobs with good pay at high-tech firms and now remain unemployed or work at low-paying jobs. The suburban towns of Burlington County, New Jersey, have seen a 43 percent increase in demand this year for emergency food. Increasingly, working families make up the clients at food banks. Although food stamp participation grew 36 percent from 2000 to 2003, the program serves just 60 percent of eligible persons. To reach more people, officials need to increase outreach efforts, reduce red tape and eliminate stigma, said a recent Urban Institute report: "The culture at food stamp offices needs to change from one that primarily focuses on preventing food stamp fraud to one that encourages families to use this nutrition assistance."

http://tinyurl.com/3uz76

Or copy and paste into your browser:
http://www.newsday.com/news/local/wire/
ny-bc-nj--foodbankcrunch0718jul18,0,3474810.story

Urban Institute report: "Recent Trends in Food Stamp Participation among Poor Families with Children"
http://www.urban.org/UploadedPDF/311027_DP04-03.pdf

5. Public Investment Creates Wealth, Opportunities

("How government spending creates wealth, opportunities," Chicago Sun-Times, July 17, 2004)

Amid disputes over taxes, budgets, and programs, the role of government in creating wealth for the few and opportunity for the many goes overlooked. According to a new report by Responsible Wealth, investment in public service infrastructure such as education, health care, transportation, research and development lay the foundation for the growth of wealth. The findings led Church Collins, the report's co-author to conclude that taxes represent "a small reinvestment of private gains back into the society that helped make those gains possible." Martin Rothenberg, founder of Syracuse Language Systems, said, "My wealth is not only a product of my own hard work. It also resulted from lots of public investment," citing his reliance on public education, public libraries and museums, the GI bill to attend college, and a government scholarship to attend graduate school.

http://www.suntimes.com/output/martire/cst-edt-mart17.html

Responsible Wealth report: "I Didn't Do It Alone: Society's Contribution to Individual Wealth and Success"
http://www.responsiblewealth.org

6. Demonstration Projects Increase Seniors' Food Stamp Participation in Six States

("Food Stamp Program Elderly Nutrition Demonstrations: Interim Report on Elderly Participation Patterns," Mathematica, 2004)

Elderly persons' participation increased at double-digit rates in four states (Maine, North Carolina, Arizona, Florida) out of six where the Food Stamp Program (FSP) Elderly Nutrition Demonstrations operate. Connecticut and Michigan experienced more modest gains. The demonstrations attracted participation for relatively low benefits, particularly in Maine and North Carolina. These two states had the largest growth and attracted a large number of individuals eligible for a $10 benefit. Each demonstration used one of three strategies to increase participation: simplifying eligibility requirements, directly assisting applicants with the application process, or offering the option of receiving packages of commodities each month instead of benefits through an electronic benefits transfer card.

Report available at:
http://tinyurl.com/4r8k5

or copy and paste into your browser:
http://www.mathematica-mpr.com/publications
/redirect_pubsdb.asp?strSite=pdfs/fspinterim.pdf

7. On Several Indicators, Well-being of U.S. Children Up, but Poverty Rate Rising

("U.S. children doing better but poverty rate increases," Salt Lake Tribune, July 16, 2004)

The teen birth rate, crime victimization rate, and childhood mortality rates have all declined, but child poverty has risen for the first time in a decade, found the government's Federal Interagency Forum on Child and Family Statistics. Also, infant mortality rose in 2002. Children also are more likely to be overweight.

http://www.sltrib.com/nationworld/ci_2377296

Report available at:
http://www.childstats.gov/americaschildren/

8. Faith Groups Target Poverty

("Faith groups target poverty," Boston.com, June 16, 2004)

Religious groups plan to lobby delegates at both the Democratic and Republican conventions this summer to focus policymakers' attention on the issues of poverty and hunger. The plan is sponsored by the National Council of Churches and the Center for Community Change. Rev. Robert W. Edgar, general secretary of the National Council of Churches, said that religious groups have chosen to focus on poverty issues because it is the one topic that draws common support across a spectrum of faith groups and both political parties. "We want the delegates to understand that the religious voting community cares about these issues, and we hope those who are elected to serve us care as much," said Rev. Nancy Taylor, president of the Massachusetts conference of the United Church of Christ. The group has also launched a multicity campaign to draw attention to poverty. Christian, Jewish, and Muslim groups, along with advocacy organizations, are planning drives to register low-income voters.

http://tinyurl.com/4prx8

Or copy and paste into your browser:
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2004/06/16/
faith_groups_target_poverty_plan_to_lobby_dnc_delegates/

9. Texas: Budget Cuts Hitting Poor Families Hard

("Report: Budget Cuts Hitting Poor Families Hard," Houston Chronicle, July 20, 2004)

Budget cuts made in 2003 to health care, education, welfare and other programs have had a devastating effect on poor families, according to a new report from the Center for Public Policy Priorities. The state closed a $10 billion budget gap by cutting programs.The report found at least 146,000 children and 28,000 adults will lose health coverage from Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Texas' per capita state spending is 49th in the nation. The report called for an increase in 2005 taxes. The Govervor's spokesman said, "To say this governor and this Legislature are not committed to the health of Texas children is flat wrong." The Governor has ordered agencies to cut their budgets 5 percent in their 2006-07 proposals.

http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/politics/2692674

10. Texas: Free Breakfast Offered to Huntsville Schoolchildren

("Meals and wheels key for district," Huntsville Item, July, 16, 2004)

Free breakfast will now be available to all schoolchildren in Texas' Huntsville Independent School District (HISD). The HISD Board of Trustees recently approved the measure. District Superintendent Fred Rush praised the new program, saying a lot of children do not now eat breakfast because they don't want to be identified as poor. "If it's free for everyone no one gets singled out."

http://itemonline.com/articles/2004/07/15/news/local/news1.txt

11. San Francisco: City's Free Lunch Program Reaching More Children

("City reaching more children with free lunches," U.S. Newswire, July 15, 2004)

San Francisco's free summer lunch program is reaching more children this year --- 25 to 27 percent of the city's children --- up from 16 percent last summer. Participation was so low last summer that San Francisco County ranked 48th out of 58 of California's counties in children fed. The weak participation was due largely to deep budget cuts to the school district's summer school program, a casualty of the state budget crisis. Even though there still is little summer school in the city, better coordination this year has meant more children are getting lunch. Representatives from Mayor Newsom's office, the Agriculture Department, the State Department of Education, and other agencies began planning in November to ensure the program reached more needy children this summer.

http://tinyurl.com/63cnk

Or copy and paste into your browser:
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/
2004/07/15/BAGRI7LM9M1.DTL

12. Washington, DC: Schools Get Healthy Vending Machines in Pilot Program

("D.C. Schools to Offer Better Vending Choices," Washington Post, July 22, 2004)

Vending machines in D.C. schools will sell healthier snacks and fruit juice instead of junk food and sodas in seven schools beginning in October, then districtwide by February 2005. The D.C. Board of Education unanimously approved the measure July 21. Kim Perry of FRAC said the call from focus groups at the seven schools for healthier snacks and beverages was "loud and clear." The availability of unhealthy snacks "undercuts participation in national school meal programs and undermines health and nutrition education provided to students," said Perry. School board President Peggy Cooper Cafritz said healthier choices give students the "physical and emotional muscle" to learn and be successful.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A4019-2004Jul21.html

13. North Carolina: Nutrition Policy Approved for Chapel Hill-Carrboro Schools

("Chapel Hill-Carrboro School Board Approves Nutrition Policy," WRAL.com, July 16, 2004)

Soft-drink machines will be eliminated in Chapel Hill-Carrboro schools as part of a new nutrition policy approved by the school board. The measure also limits class celebrations with cake to once a month, and eliminates food as a reward. The policy will extend to afterschool and summer programs. Healthier options will be encouraged at concession stands, and community groups that use school facilities will be encouraged to follow the policy.

http://www.wral.com/news/3537276/detail.html

14. New York: Legislature Approves Minimum Wage Hike to $7.15

("Albany Leaders Agree to Raise Minimum Wage," New York Times, July 21, 2004)

New York state's minimum wage will rise by $2, from $5.15 to $7.15 by January 2007 if Governor Pataki signs a bill passed by the legislature on July 21st. The wage increase will put more disposable income in the pockets of hundreds of thousands of workers and boost the state's overall economy, said supporters of the measure. Governor Pataki backs the raise and hopes the federal minimum wage increases as well. The last increase in the state minimum wage was more than four years ago. New York is the thirteenth state to raise its minimum wage.

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/07/21/nyregion/21wage.html

15. Atlanta Food Bank Director Still Fighting Hunger 25 Years Later

("Needs of hungry still drive food bank chief," Atlanta Constitution-Journal, July 18, 2004)

Twenty-five years ago, Bill Bolling founded the Atlanta Community Food Bank, one of the country's first regional food banks. Today, the food bank distributes more than 15.7 million pounds of food and supplies to more than 750 soup kitchens, day care centers, nursing homes and other agencies that serve the needy. Besides giving food aid, the organization's mission is "to engage, educate and empower the community to fight hunger." Bolling openly expresses puzzlement over why people still go hungry in the U.S.

http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/atlanta/0704/19foodbank.html

16. Alaska: Food Banks Running Low on Food with Strong Demand

("Food bank faces empty shelves as demand increases in summer," Juneau Empire, July 1, 2004)

Food pantries across Alaska are facing increasing demand because of a sluggish economy. "It's been getting worse every year and this year has been worse by a significant margin," said Susannah Morgan, executive director of Food Bank of Alaska.

http://www.juneauempire.com/stories/070104/loc_foodbank.shtml

17. Maryland: Supermarkets Revitalize Balitmore Inner City

("For city, supermarkets mean more than groceries," Baltimore Sun, July 20, 2004)

The opening of a Giant Supermarket means more than a convenience to Baltimore inner city residents. Inner city supermarkets are part of a policy to revitalize and stabilize the city's neighborhoods by acting as anchors. "If you draw a one-mile radius around this store, you've got million-dollar homes and you've got people on food stamps. I have to find a way to satisfy them all," said the new store's general manager, David Ferraro. The grocery store is now the 18th new or expanded supermarket inside Baltimore in the past 2 years.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/nationworld/bal-te.grocery20jul20,1,1987111.story