Senior News December, 2003 Vol. 24. No. 12

 

Published by the Humboldt Senior Resource Center in Eureka, California. HSRC is a non-profit community-based organization offering services for senior citizens, multi-generational families and caregivers.

New donations will feed frail seniors seven meals a week

Task force looks at ways to protect seniors from multiple Rx interactions

Twenty issues rise to level of priority for seniors

Many qualify for food stamps

First anniversary of veggie meals

HSU Over-60 Program still the best deal for seniors

Saving money by using over-the-counter medications

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Going hungry?
Many qualify for food stamps
by Jessica Pierce

You could be eligible for food stamps and not even know it. Seniors currently have the lowest overall participation rate in the food stamp program.

Why? Many things have changed about the program since its inception in 1930. For instance, you no longer have to worry about hassling with those silly paper coupons. Now food stamps are on an electronic card similar to an ATM card. This reduces hassles and stigma and the card is easy to use. However, despite improvements in the food stamp program, many misconceptions still exist.

One misconception is that food stamps are a welfare program. In fact they are a nutrition program funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The food stamp program began in 1930 when the federal government proposed a nutrition tool that would increase food security for our nation's families and stimulate the farming industry.

In 2002, food stamps brought more than $9 million dollars into Humboldt County's economy. As you can see the food stamp program is not only a great nutrition resource, but it significantly boosts our local economy.

Food stamp requirements:

• If you are receiving SSI you are not eligible for the food stamp program.

• However, if you do not receive SSI and your monthly income is below $749 net, you may be eligible to receive up to $141 every month for food.

• You can own a home and still get food stamps. o You can have up to $3,000 in other assets. o If you are disabled you do not have to meet asset requirements.

• If you are older than 60, blind or disabled you do not have to go into the food stamp office for the interview.

• Your medical costs and prescription drug costs can be deducted from your income.

I would like to encourage all of you who meet these requirements to sign up today. Food stamps can provide you with the essential nutrition you deserve.

Jessica Pierce is advocacy and outreach coordinator for Food for People, the local food bank. Her phone is 445-3166 and e-mail is jpierce@food forpeople.org