Welfare Sees Sharp Increase – WSJ.com

Despite a recent history of constant welfare numbers and even declines in some states, the flailing economy has finally resulted in a sharp increase in welfare numbers, according to the Wall Street Journal. Washington State is in the category of greatest percentage increase.

Numbers On Welfare See Sharp Increase – WSJ.com.

The Columbus Dispatch : Food aid touted as economic tonic

Are food stamps actually stimulating the economy? Some argue that yes, they are. For every dollar the government invests in the food assistance program, the economy receives $1.73. This makes food stamps seem like an awfully good economic investment. They also ease the burden on overwhelmed food banks, prompting some Ohio food banks to hire outreach workers to ensure that those who are qualified are receiving their benefits. But some economists argue that the immediate benefits are not worth the long-term growth, i.e. the cost of the program, which will likely be paid by future taxpayers. What do you think about the issue?

 

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April Food Day!

Tired of salt in your morning coffee once a year on April Fool’s Day? Don’t want to worry about what pranks you’ll have to pull on your coworkers? Try something new this year!

Remember that on April 1, 2009, just like every other day of the year, people in our resource-wealthy country are hungry. Bloggers all across the country are uniting to post about April Food Day and raise awareness of food security issues. We’re asking that you make a donation to FamilyWorks, or to your local food bank. And instead of pranking your friends, families, and coworkers, please ask all of them to donate as well. Every dollar donated provides 7 meals, or 10 pounds of food! Thank you, and happy April Food Day!

Things to Consider:

• 1 in 8 Americans is hungry.
• 4 MILLION Americans receive assistance from Feeding America each WEEK!
• Children who are hungry have delayed social, emotional, and educational development.
• Millions of elderly Americans go to bed hungry every night!
• In December 2008, Food Stamp participation was 31,784,453 people, the highest participation level on record, and an increase of nearly 700,000 individuals from November 2008.
• All states reported increases in caseloads between December 2007 and December 2008. Ten states registered over-the-prior December percentage caseload increases above 20 percent: Idaho (30.4), Utah (29.8), Florida (28.7), Nevada (28.1), Arizona (24.3), Texas (24.1), Wisconsin (22.8), Maryland (22.0), Georgia (21.2), and Massachusetts (20.2).
• A food stamp recipient receives only 78 cents per meal, on average.

Politics Northwest | Gregoire asks that Legislature not put an end to DSHS | Seattle Times Newspaper Blog

Earlier, we published that the legislature is considering cutting DSHS in favor of 4 smaller organizations. Depending on the final outcome of the division, this could mean dealing with 4 agencies instead of one: one for children and family services, one for food stamps, one for Medicaid, one for mental health….. Frank Chopp also wants to break DSHS into smaller groups, but only 3 instead of 4. What do you think about these possible solutions to a budget crisis? Would increased efficiency at the government level decrease personal efficiency? Is there a way to have four separate organizations but only one visit to get all the applicable services? Gov. Gregoire is not in favor of ending DSHS, at least at this time.

Politics Northwest | Gregoire asks that Legislature not put an end to DSHS | Seattle Times Newspaper Blog.

Blog: Living on Food stamps – CNN.com

Many in our community depend on food stamps to make ends meet – in addition to the foods available in our food bank. CNN has a blog keeping track of someone trying to live on food stamps for the first time. Check it out, and comment away on what he’s doing well – and what he could improve!

 

Blog: Living on Food stamps – CNN.com.