In 2008, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) reported that 14.6% of U.S. households fell in the food-insecure category at least once within the year. This is officially the highest rate since the Department started recording this statistic in 1995.
There is no doubt that food insecurity is a growing concern. The current state of the economy only intensifies the hunger problem an increasing number of people are facing.
The food stamp program, now known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), aims to provide assistance to eligible low-income families and individuals, helping them buy the food they need. However, not everyone who qualifies for food stamps are able to apply and receive much-needed help. Part of this reason is a lack of awareness, which means that there are still those who do not know who to contact or where to apply to receive SNAP benefits.
Because of the desperate times we’re in, stronger efforts are needed to make sure that people who need food stamp benefits are able to receive benefits.
The USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) provides Partnership and Outreach programs for various organizations to increase awareness and improve the access to affordable and nutritious food. Non-profit and faith-based organizations are encouraged to participate in partnership and outreach programs.
Sign up on the box at the right for food stamp application guidelines, contact information for your state plus other sources of financial help available in your city.
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