BRIDGING A FOOD INSECURITY GAP

An innovative voucher proposal in San Francisco is aimed at bridging a hunger gap that occurs because thousands of Social Security beneficiaries, often seniors and families, become ineligible for Food Stamps when they receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Teri Olle, associate director of policy at the San Francisco and Marin Food bank, said SSI benefits, which average around $850 a month, aren’t enough to live on in this high-cost city, let alone eat healthily. The program would give food vouchers to eligible seniors and families receiving SSI benefits who cannot afford healthy food. They can redeem the vouchers specifically for fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables at local grocery stores and supermarkets.  A pilot program found that most participants ate healthier and more nutritiously, buying oranges, grapes, and bananas.

 

Source: SF Bay Guardian Online, 4/14/14, Vouchers