Anti-Hunger Advocates Call for Changes to Food Stamp Program

None by KCPW

(KCPW News) Only 60 percent of Utahns who are eligible for food stamps actually collect them. The Department of Workforce Services is conducting a study to find out why more people who could get food stamps don't. But Gina Cornia of Utahns Against Hunger has a theory:

"The way the food stamp program is set up right now, it's just not friendly to those folks eligible for the minimum benefit," says Cornia.

The minimum food stamp benefit is 10-dollars a month. Cornia thinks the government should raise that amount and make the application process easier - which she believes would reduce administrative costs and free up more money to feed the hungry.

This year the federal farm bill - which includes the food stamp program - is up for reauthorization. When lawmakers vote on it, Cornia hopes they will eliminate a requirement that forces able-bodied single adults to have a job or actively be looking for one to receive food stamps. Cornia believes that requirement unfairly targets the homeless:

"Especially since states are now investing a lot of money in this 10 Year Plan to End Homelessness," says Cornia. "Why have a requirement that undermines that plan and only allows them to get food stamps for 3 out of 36 months unless they meet some very arbitrary work requirement?"

Without meeting the work requirement, those able-bodied single adults can only receive food stamps for three months. In March, Utahns collected 11-million dollars in food stamp benefits. The average household on food stamps in the state receives $209 a month.

Email to a friendPosted in KCPW Newsroom. Copyright 2008 KCPW