SCSU Will Host Panel on Food and Sustainability

On Wednesday, April 26, Southern Connecticut State University will partner with the Regional Water Authority, to host a panel discussion on food sustainability. View the flyer below for more more information. Click here to register.

Connecticut School Breakfast Participation Jumps

Over 100,000 Connecticut students participated in the national School Breakfast Program (SBP) every day during the 2015-16 school year, and 85% of them did so for free or at a reduced price. Connecticut was among the top-ranked states last year for increasing the percentage of its low-income students participating in the SBP.

Nearly 8,000 more children ate breakfast at school in the 2015-16 school year than the year before. Although that was a 10% rise in participation, only 51% of those eligible for free or reduced-price lunches eat breakfast in school, which places the state among the bottom third of states (33rd).

The rise in student participation came despite the state being near the bottom of states (49th) in terms of the percentage of eligible schools participating in the program.

Source: Food Research & Action Center, 2/14/17, School Breakfast in CT

Check out how Foodshare is working to connect kids with meal programs right here in Greater Hartford, and learn how you can get involved!

SNAP Increases Spending On Food More Than Cash Would

A new study by two Brown University economists finds that SNAP benefits increase a household’s overall spending on food each month and that an equivalent cash benefit would lead to much smaller increases in food spending.

For every $100 in SNAP benefits that a household receives, the household spends just over $50 more on food each month. Households in the study that received an average of $200 per month in SNAP benefits increased their spending on SNAP-eligible food products by approximately $110. This means that SNAP benefits raise overall food spending by between 50 and 60 percent of the benefit’s value.

The finding counters what many traditional economic models predict. The study’s authors argue that a range of evidence implies that a cash benefit of $200 per month would raise food spending by less than $20 or 10 percent of the subsidy value.

Source: Brown University, 2/6/17, SNAP Boosts Food Spending

SNAP Spending Continues to Fall

Spending on SNAP will continue to fall as the economy recovers and the number of SNAP participants falls, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) recently reported in updated spending projections.

CBO’s estimate of SNAP spending over the next 10 years, based on the SNAP rules now in place, is about 7% lower than its forecast from a year ago, mainly due to lower food prices. And, as the overall economy grows, SNAP’s share of the gross domestic product will drop under 0.3%, down from a high of 0.5% in 2015.

Source: Center for Budget & Policy Priorities, 1/27/17, SNAP Spending to Drop

Amazon Connects With SNAP

"The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced Amazon will take part in the agency's latest program on food stamps: the SNAP Online Purchasing Pilot. 

Food stamp recipients will soon be able to purchase groceries online from Amazon. These digital food stamps will aid more than 43 million low-income Americans under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) of the government."

Source: Tech Times, 1/31/17, Read More...

Boosting SNAP Benefits Could Improve Eating Habits

In response to the recent controversy over whether SNAP funds should be used to buy sugary drinks, one commentator suggests that raising SNAP benefits would promote healthier eating. Low-income people, he argues, particularly people of color and those living in rural areas, lack access to healthy food options.

Research on food availability finds that low-income communities tended to have fewer supermarkets and fewer “healthy, high quality foods in nearby stores.”

Even when a lack of transportation options isn’t limiting their ability to locate better food sources, low-income people may struggle to afford healthier items. An analysis of the relationship between SNAP benefits and both food spending and food-related activities shows that a $30 boost to SNAP benefits could increase vegetable consumption by about 1.5%, increase the time spent on food shopping and preparation by 2.5 and 3.5%, respectively, and decrease fast food consumption by about 2.5%.

Source: Washington Post, 1/26/17, Boost SNAP, Eat Better

Fewer TANF Dollars Going to those in Need

"A new study shows that Connecticut uses only 30 percent of its Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds for basic assistance, work programs and child care.

A policy brief, prepared by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, shows that on average states spend about half of their combined state and federal TANF funds on core welfare reform areas.

In 2015, for every 100 poor families with children in Connecticut, only 30 received TANF cash assistance, down from 70 in 2001."

Source: Public News Service, 1/16/17, View Article >

Conservatives Find SNAP Works, But Needs Reform

The conservative think tank, American Enterprise Institute (AEI), observes that a large body of research shows that SNAP* reduces poverty, improves food security among low-income households, and has positive effects on infant health and long-term benefits for children. It also finds SNAP to be fairly efficient.

In FY 2014, the error rate (that is, the percentage of dollars that go to ineligible households or get over- or underpaid) was extremely low at 3.66%, and 99% of households that received benefits were eligible.

In addition, 92% of spending is for benefits that go directly into households, with only 8% supporting administrative and other efforts.

But AEI believes SNAP would benefit from several reforms. It proposes a pilot program in a few states to test distributing SNAP benefits through block grants. This, it contends, would allow states to experiment with work requirements, efforts to improve nutrition, and ways to better tailor benefit levels to local conditions. Besides block grants, pilot programs could be implemented and rigorously studied to determine whether work requirements for all able-bodied recipients could be effective and whether they increase employment among SNAP recipients. Other reforms include changing the SNAP benefit calculation to adjust for local cost of living and not allowing SNAP participants to purchase unhealthy nonfood items linked to obesity, such as sugary beverages.

Source: American Enterprise Institute, 1/25/17, SNAP Reforms

*Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly food stamps)

EITC Return Delayed

Each year, more than 27 million low- and moderate-income households file taxes and receive a refund from the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). For the first time in 2017, many early filers—more than half of those claiming the EITC and Child Tax Credit (CTC)—will wait longer for their refunds.

The Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act of 2015, which made provisions of the EITC permanent, also required the IRS to delay tax refunds for those claiming the EITC or the refundable portion of the CTC until at least February 15 in an effort to verify wages and reduce errors. 

 This delay could have serious effects on families who depend on the EITC and CTC. The study found that many families (over 70% of early filers with children) rely on the timeliness of their refund immediately to pay down debt on a car or house.

Source: Center for Law & Social Policy, 1/4/17, EITC Delay

New Rules for SNAP Retailers

SNAP users may soon begin to see more variety of SNAP-eligible foods in their local groceries and bodegas. 

Starting May 17, 2017, stores that want to begin participating in SNAP will be expected to stock at least 84 items (1) vegetables or fruits; (2) dairy products; (3) meat, poultry, or fish; and (4) bread or cereals. Stores that are already participating will have to meet these minimums by January 17, 2018. 

Retailers will have to stock at least 3 units (bags, cans, boxes) of 7 different kinds of products of those 4 staple food categories.

Different brands, formats, flavors, or types of the same product are not considered different varieties. Apples, carrots, and pears are considered three different varieties in the vegetables or fruits staple food category, but tomato sauce, tomatoes, and 100% tomato juice are only considered one variety in the vegetables or fruits staple food category (tomato).

Source: USDA, 12/24/16, SNAP Retailer Rules

USDA Releases "Fresh" Guidelines

Due to the large amount of food that is wasted daily by most Americans, the USDA has developed a fresh set of guidelines that will prevent this issue from recurring.

Sasha Stashwick, a representative of the the National Resource Defense Council stated, "9 of 10 shoppers are confused by the dates that are labeled on the product."

To lower the confusion; USDA has now required that the "best if used by" label be the only label used by meat, dairy, and egg manufacturers.

Source: CBS News, 12/18/16, Read More...

SNAP Participation Declines In 2016

The number of people participating in SNAP has declined by more than 4 million, or 9%, since peaking in December 2012, reflecting the program’s responsiveness to an improving economy, as well as the effects of the reimposition of the three-month time limit for unemployed childless adults.

The share of the population participating in SNAP has returned to 2011 levels, and is projected to continue to fall. The number of SNAP participants in an average month of 2016 was 3.4% lower than in 2015. The SNAP caseload declines have been widespread; the share of the population receiving SNAP was lower in 2016 than in 2013 in 45 states.

SNAP spending also has fallen. SNAP outlays fell for the third straight year and were 4% lower in 2016 than in 2015. In 2016 SNAP spending dropped to its lowest point since 2010, and more than 11% below 2013 peak levels. (These figures refer to nominal spending, not adjusted for inflation.)

Source: Center for Budget & Policy Priorities, 12/29/16, SNAP Participation

A "Little" Food Pantry

"There's a small-scale charity movement starting to take hold in neighborhoods across the country. Think of those "little free library" boxes, but with a twist: These are small pantries stocked with free food and personal care items like toothbrushes and diapers for people in need. They're found near churches, outside businesses and in front of homes."

Source: NPR, 1/11/17, New Type of Food Pantry

The Internet Welcomes SNAP Shoppers

The USDA recently announced that SNAP participants will have the option to purchase food items online. Beginning this summer, the two-year pilot program will be offered in seven states to SNAP participants that reside in both urban and suburban communities.

Retailers chosen for the pilot-program include; Amazon, FreshDirect, Safeway, ShopRite, Hy-Vee, Hart’s Local Grocers, and Dash’s Market. These retailers were chosen based on their representation of various store types and regional networks.

USDA's Secretary Tom Vilsack made the following statement in regards to the program:

“Online purchasing is a potential lifeline for SNAP participants living in urban neighborhoods and rural communities where access to healthy food choices can be limited,”We’re looking forward to being able to bring the benefits of the online market to low-income Americans participating in SNAP.”

Source: Organic Authority, 1/9/17, View Article >

SNAP to Health

SNAP To Health, a virtual town hall that provides information on SNAP now also includes resources on WIC. The website is a one-stop-shop for a wealth of resources and interactive tools for the two programs, including the latest nutrition news, informative blog posts, meal recipes, discussion forums, policy reports, and links to thousands of nutrition resources. The new website is mobile and tablet compatible to help better reach low-income populations who overwhelmingly access the internet via mobile devices. Learn more >

Source: PRWeb,12/20/16 

 

Minimum Wage Increases For Millions of Americans

"Workers in 19 states will see their paychecks go up with the turn of the new year, thanks to minimum wage increases that have expanded the conversation on wages hikes to new localities and across partisan lines. Debates surrounding the pros and cons of minimum wage raises have reverberated through society in “Fight for $15” protests and state capitals around the nation. While those on the left have said wage hikes will pull some of the nation’s most vulnerable low-income workers out of poverty,conservatives have argued that increased costs for businesses will hamper the economy and have harmful fallout for the very workers they proport to help."

Source: The Christian Science Monitor, 12/30/16, Minimum Wage Set to Rise >

A 'fresh' look at SNAP in 2017?

"As Republicans take control of the White House and Congress this month, House Speaker Paul Ryan of Wisconsin and other GOP leaders are signaling the possibility of a major welfare reform bill in 2017 or 2018, including a fresh look at the food stamp program and its spending levels. Ryan has proposed converting food stamps to a block grant and allowing states to determine how to spend a diminished level of funding.

The push is being made with an eye toward improving public health and reducing health care costs as well as government food subsidies. State officials in Maine and Arkansas say that the ban on food stamp purchases of junk food would reduce their states’ obesity rates, contain Medicaid costs for low-income people and help ensure that beneficiaries use the program for its original intent – namely insuring a healthy diet for low-income families."

Source: The Fiscal Times 1/2/16, Read More >

Social Justice Club Tackles Hunger at Capital Community College

Unemployed since 2010, Yvonne Duhaney understands the struggle many of her peers face. She and her now 14-year-old daughter signed up for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as food stamps), but when she decided to start school full-time at Capital Community College, her assistance was cut. Purchasing enough food for them both on a SNAP budget had suddenly become much more challenging. Her mother passed away during her first semester, straining her resources even further.

None of this stopped Yvonne from achieving her degree in Social Work, which is quite remarkable. In fact, her experience inspired her to do even more for her community. During the summer of 2015, after completing all of her required hours for service learning, Yvonne decided to start a food pantry on campus. Professor Michelle White suggested that she institutionalize the project in the form of a student club, ensuring university support and providing space to operate her pantry.

Through a series of food & fundraisers, and word of mouth, the pantry’s popularity grew quickly, bringing in donations beyond food, including diapers and toiletries. Students outside of the social service realm got involved, and what began as one student’s passion slowly transitioned to a campus-wide Social Justice Club. But she worried about what would happen to Capital’s pantry once she left, and all those who came to rely on it.

After learning that previous attempts to sustain a school pantry had failed, Yvonne decided to remain at Capital post-graduation to ensure the survival of the program. Fortunately, a fellow classmate Kerry-Ann Campbell-Barrett stepped up to assume the role. Originally from Jamaica, Kerry-Ann viewed America as a “land of opportunity.” After volunteering with a local pantry (a Foodshare partner) she was shocked to learn that many Americans struggle with putting food on the table. Recognizing the harsh realities of life for so many of her new friends and neighbors, Kerry-Ann wanted to do more.


Kerry-Ann and Yvonne both agree that the next step is connecting pantry visitors, with additional resources. Hartford Rescue Mission is only a few blocks away, serving meals when the pantry is closed. There are Mobile Foodshare sites located within a few miles, providing fresh foods at no cost to those in need. And they hope that a partnership with Foodshare’s SNAP outreach team will soon connect many more students with stable support while they work towards a college degree.

Now that Yvonne has found other like-minded individuals who are capable of carrying on the legacy that she started, she feels confident pursuing her own future as a Social Worker.

• The CCC pantry is open Mondays and Fridays from 10am-2pm. For more information contact Derrick Curry, Director of Student Activities, at (860) 906-5087. 
• For more information about the Hartford Rescue Mission, visit www.hartfordrescuemission.com.
• For more information about Mobile Foodshare, visit site.foodshare.org/mobile.

New Standards Set For SNAP Retailers

Just recently USDA's secretary, Tom Vilsack announced the provisions that will be made for all retail participants of SNAP. Retailers are now required to increase their inventory and offer food options that are more nutritious.

Vilsack states the following about the provisions:

  

"This final rule balances the need to improve the healthy staple foods available for purchase at participating stores, while maintaining food access for SNAP recipients in under-served rural and urban areas...We received many helpful comments on the proposed rule and have modified the final rule in important ways to ensure that these dual goals are met.  I am confident that this rule will ensure the retailers that participate in SNAP offer a variety of healthy foods for purchase and that SNAP recipients will continue to have access to the stores they need to be able to purchase food."

Source: USDA, 12/8/16, Read the full release >

SNAP Program Must Be Protected

"After holding 16 hearings on SNAP over the past two years, the House Agriculture Committee reached a simple conclusion: SNAP provides a critical nutrition safety net for millions of low-income Americans, and we need to do all we can to protect and strengthen the program so it can continue effectively serving American families in need."




Source: USDA, 12/08/16, Protection for SNAP Program