The Farm Bill is comprehensive legislation that authorizes funding for federal food and farm policies and is renewed every five years. It aims to ensure a stable food supply, protect farmers, provide nutrition assistance, support rural development and conserve resources. The current bill includes the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly food stamps), which helps low-income Americans. SNAP is the largest hunger relief program and helps many out of poverty. The 2012 Farm Bill proposals in Congress would cut SNAP funding and restrict eligibility, potentially removing benefits for millions of individuals. Advocates urge supporting and protecting SNAP.
Learn more about what is at stake in the “Super Committee” and the federal deficit-reduction deal for children, families, seniors and people with disabilities in Ohio. Leading statewide advocates will discuss how we work to maintain vital programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, and Medicare.
Advocates for Ohio’s Future and our partners are also gearing up for a statewide “call-in day” on Wednesday, Sept 28 to Senator Portman’s offices in Columbus, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Toledo, and D.C. to make sure the Super Committee’s deficit-reduction plan does not increase poverty or income inequality.
You’ll hear from:
* Lisa Hamler-Fugitt, Executive Director of the Ohio Association of Second Harvest Foodbanks
Luke Russell, Associate State Director for Advocacy, AARP Ohio
Cathy Levine, Executive Director of UHCAN Ohio and Co-Chair of Ohio Consumers for Health Coverage
Deborah Nebel, Director of Public Policy, Linking Employment, Ability, and Potential
Wendy Patton, Senior Associate with Policy Matters Ohio
Will Petrik, Outreach Director with Advocates for Ohio’s Future
California pays a lot for health care, not so much for keeping people healthyΔρ. Γιώργος K. Κασάπης
California spends a lot on health care to treat its residents, but relatively little to ensure they are healthy, according to a new report. In 2018, for every $1 that California spent on health care services, it spent just $0.68 on other aspects of health, including social and public health services. That “other” figure is down by nearly half — from $1.22 — since 2007. While California’s total health care spending has grown nearly 150% since that year, spending on other services grew by around 40%. The report’s authors say that the state could rein in some of its $119 billion budget by cutting back on wasted costs, including unnecessary medical services. But it could also invest in community aspects of care tied to improved health, including raising the minimum wage and investing in public health, education, and other social programs.
Presented by Tony Ross \ President of United Way of Pennsylvania
March 16, 2011 as part of the PA Budgetwatch Town Hall Meeting sponsored by the United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties
The medicare program, its origin, current funding challenges, the problems with the Ryan Plan, and how to move the current program foward while cutting costs.
Colorado Health Care Leaders Webinar Series: Publicly-funded Health Insurance...kingemily
CHI is hosting a series of webinars designed especially for Colorado health care leaders who need credible, timely information to help them make informed decisions. This webinar provided an overview of publicly-funded insurance programs in Colorado, such as Medicaid and the Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+).
Introduction Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) .docxnormanibarber20063
Introduction
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has served as the foundation of America's national nutrition safety net, working to end hunger and improve the health of low-income people by helping families buy the food they need for a nutritionally adequate diet.
1
Qualification
In order to qualify, you must have an annual household income (before taxes) that is below the following amounts:
Household SizeMaximum Income Level (Per Year)1$15,4442$20,8263$26,2084$31,5905$36,9726$42,3547$47,7498$53,157
According to the South Carolina Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
The benefits are not intended to cover all of a family's food costs, but will lessen the amount of income that must be used toward groceries each month. Families, people living alone, and people living with roommates use SNAP. People who are homeless can get SNAP benefits too. People of all ages are a part of SNAP.
For households with more than eight people, add $5,408 per additional person. Always check with the appropriate managing agency to ensure the most accurate guidelines.
2
Program History
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Pilot Food Stamp Program (1961-1964)
Food Stamp Act of 1964 (Under President Johnson)
According to the South Carolina Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
SNAP:
Created in 1939; lasted for 4 years
Program ended due unmarketable food surpluses and widespread unemployment; no longer existed
Orange stamps used to buy any food, Blue stamps for surplus food determined by the Gov’t
PILOT:
President Kennedy 1st Executive Order called for expanded food distribution
Retain the requirement that the food stamps be purchased, but eliminated the concept of special stamps for surplus foods
ACT:
The eligibility for purchase with food stamps of all items intended for human consumption except alcoholic beverages and imported foods
Prohibitions against discrimination on bases of race, religious creed, national origin, or political beliefs
3
Program History
Major Reform – 1970’s
The Food Stamp Act of 1977
Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT): 1988 - 2004
According to the South Carolina Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
MAJOR REFORM
1971, established uniform national standards of eligibility and work requirements
Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act of 1973, required States to expand the program to every political jurisdiction before July 1, 1974
FOOD STAMP ACT
Established statutory income eligibility guidelines at the poverty line
Restricted eligibility for students and aliens (illegal) •
Eliminated the requirement that households must have cooking facilities
EBT:
Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) is an electronic system that allows a recipient to authorize transfer of their government benefits from a Federal account to a retailer account to pay for products received
EBT is used in all 50 States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Guam.
State food stam.
Learn more about what is at stake in the “Super Committee” and the federal deficit-reduction deal for children, families, seniors and people with disabilities in Ohio. Leading statewide advocates will discuss how we work to maintain vital programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, and Medicare.
Advocates for Ohio’s Future and our partners are also gearing up for a statewide “call-in day” on Wednesday, Sept 28 to Senator Portman’s offices in Columbus, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Toledo, and D.C. to make sure the Super Committee’s deficit-reduction plan does not increase poverty or income inequality.
You’ll hear from:
* Lisa Hamler-Fugitt, Executive Director of the Ohio Association of Second Harvest Foodbanks
Luke Russell, Associate State Director for Advocacy, AARP Ohio
Cathy Levine, Executive Director of UHCAN Ohio and Co-Chair of Ohio Consumers for Health Coverage
Deborah Nebel, Director of Public Policy, Linking Employment, Ability, and Potential
Wendy Patton, Senior Associate with Policy Matters Ohio
Will Petrik, Outreach Director with Advocates for Ohio’s Future
California pays a lot for health care, not so much for keeping people healthyΔρ. Γιώργος K. Κασάπης
California spends a lot on health care to treat its residents, but relatively little to ensure they are healthy, according to a new report. In 2018, for every $1 that California spent on health care services, it spent just $0.68 on other aspects of health, including social and public health services. That “other” figure is down by nearly half — from $1.22 — since 2007. While California’s total health care spending has grown nearly 150% since that year, spending on other services grew by around 40%. The report’s authors say that the state could rein in some of its $119 billion budget by cutting back on wasted costs, including unnecessary medical services. But it could also invest in community aspects of care tied to improved health, including raising the minimum wage and investing in public health, education, and other social programs.
Presented by Tony Ross \ President of United Way of Pennsylvania
March 16, 2011 as part of the PA Budgetwatch Town Hall Meeting sponsored by the United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties
The medicare program, its origin, current funding challenges, the problems with the Ryan Plan, and how to move the current program foward while cutting costs.
Colorado Health Care Leaders Webinar Series: Publicly-funded Health Insurance...kingemily
CHI is hosting a series of webinars designed especially for Colorado health care leaders who need credible, timely information to help them make informed decisions. This webinar provided an overview of publicly-funded insurance programs in Colorado, such as Medicaid and the Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+).
Introduction Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) .docxnormanibarber20063
Introduction
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has served as the foundation of America's national nutrition safety net, working to end hunger and improve the health of low-income people by helping families buy the food they need for a nutritionally adequate diet.
1
Qualification
In order to qualify, you must have an annual household income (before taxes) that is below the following amounts:
Household SizeMaximum Income Level (Per Year)1$15,4442$20,8263$26,2084$31,5905$36,9726$42,3547$47,7498$53,157
According to the South Carolina Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
The benefits are not intended to cover all of a family's food costs, but will lessen the amount of income that must be used toward groceries each month. Families, people living alone, and people living with roommates use SNAP. People who are homeless can get SNAP benefits too. People of all ages are a part of SNAP.
For households with more than eight people, add $5,408 per additional person. Always check with the appropriate managing agency to ensure the most accurate guidelines.
2
Program History
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Pilot Food Stamp Program (1961-1964)
Food Stamp Act of 1964 (Under President Johnson)
According to the South Carolina Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
SNAP:
Created in 1939; lasted for 4 years
Program ended due unmarketable food surpluses and widespread unemployment; no longer existed
Orange stamps used to buy any food, Blue stamps for surplus food determined by the Gov’t
PILOT:
President Kennedy 1st Executive Order called for expanded food distribution
Retain the requirement that the food stamps be purchased, but eliminated the concept of special stamps for surplus foods
ACT:
The eligibility for purchase with food stamps of all items intended for human consumption except alcoholic beverages and imported foods
Prohibitions against discrimination on bases of race, religious creed, national origin, or political beliefs
3
Program History
Major Reform – 1970’s
The Food Stamp Act of 1977
Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT): 1988 - 2004
According to the South Carolina Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
MAJOR REFORM
1971, established uniform national standards of eligibility and work requirements
Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act of 1973, required States to expand the program to every political jurisdiction before July 1, 1974
FOOD STAMP ACT
Established statutory income eligibility guidelines at the poverty line
Restricted eligibility for students and aliens (illegal) •
Eliminated the requirement that households must have cooking facilities
EBT:
Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) is an electronic system that allows a recipient to authorize transfer of their government benefits from a Federal account to a retailer account to pay for products received
EBT is used in all 50 States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Guam.
State food stam.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Far.docxsarah98765
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Farmers’ Market Double Dollar Programs
1
The Food Stamp Program was a formed through the Food Stamp Act in 1964 with the main objective of promoting food security and preventing hunger, the program mainly target low-income households (Landers 1946).
2
Households were issued with redeemable coupons which they used to purchase food from approved retail stores. The selection criteria of households eligible for the program was based on the ability of the household to acquire food that met a standard nutritional diet.
3
Income standards were the key determinant in determining whether a household could meet the required nutritional diet
4
Evaluation of the program performance indicated that more focus had been put on consumer income inequality and food security with little efforts being made in improving nutrition and reducing nutrition-related health programs.
5
Reports indicated increased cases of obesity over time in low-income households, there was a correlation between the obesity increase the food stamp program (Charles). Households benefiting from the food stamp program having more disposable income that was used to purchase foodstuff linked to obesity and other dietary health problems.
6
The concern led to the redesigning of the Food Program to offer with a greater emphasis put on nutrition.
In 2008, the Farm Bill was passed into law changing the Food Stamp Program to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The program mainly targets low-income households that have children, the elderly and the disabled.
7
Citizens who have a gross income that gets to 130% of the federal poverty line are eligible for the program.
One has to apply for the program with the selection criteria varying from one state to another, one has to provide proof of income and also household expense before being approved for the program with a certification period that one is eligible to receive the benefits. (Shenkin & Jacobson 1562).
8
Undocumented immigrants and a large percentage of students in the US are not eligible for the program, the minimum benefit period for unemployed adults is three months.
9
The food purchase method on SNAP is based on the EBT system that allows beneficiaries to transfer funds from a federal account when making purchases from an approved retailer.
To determine the viability of the redesigned SNAP program, pilot programs were carried out with Healthy Incentive Pilot (HIP) being one of the key programs.
HIP tested on whether beneficiaries of the program would use the financial incentive to purchase fruits and vegetables.
10
Farmers benefited from the Food Insecurity and Nutrition Incentive (FINI) program since there was an increase in demand for fruits and vegetables.
SNAP beneficiaries can only purchase products from markets licensed by the Food and Nutritional Service (FNS).
11
The growth of the farmers market is attributed.
A slideshow produced by the good folks at the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, that focuses on the 2012 Farm Bill, and on clarifying many of the lingering questions surrounding that complex piece of legislation/legislative process.
This presentation was created for Cover Georgia coalition partners and others who would like to inform their stakeholders and communities about Georgia's coverage gap. Cover Georgia is a coalition of 70+ organizations working to cover Georgia's low-income uninsured by taking advantage of the federal funding made available by the federal govt. to expand Medicaid to all low-income adults.
On Tuesday, February 22, 2011 the Community Food Security Coalition (CFSC) and the National Farm to School Network (NFSN) hosted an interactive webinar to provide an overview of past Farm Bill successes, and to begin dialogue on potential areas of action for the upcoming 2012 Farm Bill, including regional policy priorities related to local food infrastructure, urban/community-based agriculture, food access, community food projects, farmers markets, linking SNAP (food stamps) to local and healthy foods, Farm to School, and food policy councils. After viewing the webinar, participants are invited to tell us what is most needed in their region of the country by completing the survey at the following link: http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/WEB22BWUCU6YFL/
1. The Farm Bill and SNAP
Policies affecting your Clients
By: Christine Woody, MSW
Missouri Association
For Social Welfare
2. What is the Farm Bill?
Comprehensive piece of legislation that
guides and authorizes funding for most of the
federal food and farm policies.
Every five years, Congress renews the Farm
Bill through the reauthorization process.
3. Farm Bill Goals from the Beginning
• Ensure a stable and affordable food supply
• Protect farmers from price volatility
• Provide a nutrition safety net for the poor
• Support farm production and rural
development
• Conserve natural resources
• Create new sources of energy
5. What is in the Farm Bill regarding
Hunger and Nutrition Policy?
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)
• Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)
• Seniors Farmers’ Markets
• The Hunger-Free Communities Collaborative and
Infrastructure Grant Programs
6. Who do these Programs help?
For Low-income Americans broadly:
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
(SNAP)/Food Stamps
• The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)
For Seniors:
• Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)
• Seniors Farmers’ Markets
For Children and Low Income Families:
• USDA Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Snack Program
• Community Food Project Grants
8. SNAP
Formerly The Food Stamp Program (well in Missouri it
is still called the Food Stamp Program).
Almost 1 million Missourians are on the program
The most far-reaching Federally funded nutrition
program. Helps the most people not only with their
hunger needs, but helps many out of poverty.
9. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance
Program (SNAP)(“food stamps”)
Number of beneficiaries each month:
• 1996 – 25.5 million
• 2000 - 17.2 million
• 2007 – 26.5 million
• 2009 – 33.5 million
• November 2012 – 47.7 million
10. Each of you as Pantry Workers should ask and
encourage your clients to apply for the Food Stamp
Program.
It can positively affect struggling families and relieve
some of the burden of pantries who are overwhelmed
by clients needing assistance.
11. Eligibility Process
What Must You Prove?
You reside in the State of Missouri
AND
You are a United States citizen or eligible immigrant;
AND
You meet income and resource rules;
OR
You are categorically eligible for Food Stamps.
Sources: Missouri Income Maintenance Manual 1105.005.00, 1105.010.00,
1110.005.00, 1135.035.00.
12. What should you bring to apply
There are verification requirements in the Food Stamp program.
Applicants should bring the following items with them to the
FSD office:
Paycheck stubs;
Social Security card;
Utility bills;
Driver’s license or birth certificate;
If your household has a disabled member: Hospital bills,
pharmacy receipts, or doctor bills relating to the disabled
member.
Even if people do not have all of these documents readily
available, people should STILL APPLY. The FSD caseworker
can help them get the necessary verification after they apply.
13. Where can you apply
Individuals and families who want to apply for Food
Stamps can go to their local FSD office and fill out an
application. To find out where the local FSD office is at:
you can go to:
http://www.dss.mo.gov/fsd/office/index.htm
Applications can even be mailed or filled out over the
telephone. To request an application or to fill an
application over the phone, call your local FSD office.
Food Stamp applications are also available online at:
http://www.dss.mo.gov/fsd/fstamp/pdf/fs1_070105.pdf
14. SNAP helps low income families
Food Stamps have been proven to be a positive
supplement to the health of low-income individuals
and their families.
16. And the Economy
For every $5 in food stamps that are spent,
roughly $9 in economic activity is generated.
Every dollar spent in food stamps results in 17
to 47 cents in new spending on food.
Every $1 billion in Food Stamp spending
generates 3,000 farm jobs.
Source: USDA- The Benefits of Increasing Supplemental Nutrition
Assistance Program (SNAP) Participation in Your State, December, 2011
17. Funding for all of these nutrition programs are vitally
important!
18. Last Farm Bill passed in 2008
Changed the name of Food Stamps to SNAP.
Increased the $10 minimum monthly benefit
(unchanged for 30 years) to $14, and indexed it
for inflation
Allowed more families to save without penalty by
excluding education savings and tax-preferred
retirement accounts from food stamp asset
limits.
19. The New Farm Bill
It was up for reauthorization in 2012.
Many proposals (positive and negative) have
been initiated in Congress.
Nothing has passed yet. Passing of the Farm
Bill has been complicated by other Federal
Budget Debates.
Congressed passed an extension through
September.
20. Some positive possibilities
Provide for a way to make quicker adjustments to the
Food Stamp benefit levels so that these levels don’t
lag behind rising food prices
Continue to increase the minimum benefit levels to
ensure that households receiving the minimum
benefit levels continue to retain purchasing power
Allow benefits to be adjusted when high housing
costs eat up a family’s income
21. Eliminate the lifetime ban for drug felons;
Allow all states to operate a Combined Assistance
Project with the Social Security Administration;
Provide more resources to states for outreach efforts;
Increase access to healthy foods- fund more farmer’s
market pilot programs.
22. Some concerns
Cut the program budget for SNAP benefits;
Turn the SNAP Program into a block grant; or
Roll back the significant gains from the last two Farm
Bills.
24. 2012 Farm Bill- Senate Proposal
Senate Bill-- S. 3240
Passed full Senate in June 2012
$4.49 billion cut to SNAP over 10 years.
An estimated 500,000 households a year
will lose $90 per month in SNAP benefits
(CBO estimate)
25. House Proposal
Passed out of House Agriculture Committee July 2012
$16 billion cut to SNAP over 10 years
Restricts the Categorical Eligibility (Cat El) option that
allows states to coordinate SNAP gross income and
asset rules.
1.8 million individuals per year could lose SNAP benefits
(CBO)
2-3 million individuals could lose SNAP (Obama Admin.)
280,000 low-income children could lose free school meal
access
Eliminate state bonuses for effective SNAP operation
26. From the Advocates in DC
A real concern that some sort of SNAP Program cuts
are possible!
27. How can I help?
Contact your Members of Congress and urge them
to support and protect the SNAP program!
Call your Member of Congress and urge them to
strengthen and protect SNAP
Schedule a meeting with your Member of
Congress when they are back in their district.
Organize a site visit to your agency
28. Regardless of what happens next
the message stays the same:
NO CUTS TO SNAP!
29. Thank You
Any Questions?
Christine Woody, MSW
Missouri Association for Social Welfare
www.masw.org
christinemasw@hotmail.com