COLORADO-DIRECTORIES.NET
www.colorado-directories.net
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FOOD STAMPS

COMMUNITY SUPPORT INDEX

METRO AREA FOOD PANTRIES

• ADAMS COUNTY
  • Aurora
• ARAPAHOE COUNTY
• BOULDER COUNTY
• DENVER COUNTY
  • (referrals)
  • Central Denver
  • Westside
  • Southwest
  • North
  • Northwest
  • Northeast
  • Eastside
  • Southwest
  • Southeast
• DOUGLAS COUNTY
• JEFFERSON COUNTY

• REGIONAL FOOD BANKS

• FOOD PANTRIES (FOOD BANKS)
• FOOD STAMPS
• FOOD COOPS
• FARMER'S MARKETS

• DAY SHELTERS
• NIGHT SHELTERS
• COMMUNITY CENTERS

SPECIAL POPULATIONS

• HIV-AIDS VICTIMS
• HOMELESS
• SENIORS

COLORADO FOOD PROGRAMS

(FEDERAL PROGRAMS)

• SCHOOL BREAKFAST PROGRAM

• SPECIAL MILK PROGRAM

• NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM

• AFTER SCHOOL SNACK PROGRAMS

• SUMMER NUTRITION SERVICES PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN

• FOOD STAMP PROGRAM

• COMMUNITY FOOD AND NUTRITION PROGRAM (CFNP)

• CHILD AND ADULT CARE FOOD PROGRAM (CACFP)

• THE EMERGENCY FOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (TEFAP)

• COMMODITY SUPPLEMENT PROGRAM (CSFP) also known as SPECIAL SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION PROGRAM FOR WOMEN, INFANTS & CHILDREN (WIC)

• NUTRITIONAL PROGRAMS FOR THE ELDERLY (NPE)

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS

• FOOD PANTRIES (FOOD BANKS)

• MEALS PROGRAMS

• MEALS ON WHEELS PROGRAMS

• SEASONAL FEASTS
  • THANKSGIVING
  • CHRISTMAS
  • GIFT BASKET PROGRAMS

• GROCERY DELIVERY PROGRAMS

• FAST FOOD MEALS DELIVERY
  • Pizzas
  • Chinese Foods
  • Sandwich - Lunch Services
  • Other meals delivery
• CATERING SERVICES

COMMUNITY GARDENS PROGRAMS

• COMMUNITY GARDENS
• GARDENING TRAINING & ADVICE PROGRAMS
• GARDEN & LAWN WASTES RECYCLING
• COMPOSTING TRAINING PROGRAMS

FOOD STAMPS

The Food Stamp program is operated by State and local welfare offices.  The Federal Government oversees the State operation of the Program.

The purpose of this  Program (begun in 1939) is to end hunger and improve nutrition and health. It helps low-income households buy the food needed for a nutritionally adequate diet.  Based on eligibility, financial assistance is provided on an Electronic Benefits Transfer (QUEST) CARD

• The FODD AND NUTRITION SERVICE (FNS) increases food security and reduces hunger in partnership with cooperating organizations by providing children and low-income people access to food, 
  a healthful diet, and nutrition education in a manner that supports American agriculture and inspires public confidence.
   
• The Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion (CNPP) was created in the U.S.Department of Agriculture, December 1, 1994, and is the focal point within USDA where scientific research is linked with the nutritional needs of the public.

• D
• INSURE KIDS NOW (website)

LOCATING FOOD STAMP PROGRAM OFFICES

• national map locator
• Food Stamp Program
• Click here to find the office that serves your area.
• Food Stamp Program toll free information line at 1.800.221.5689
• Colorado State Information/Hotline Number: 303.866.5087 (accepts collect calls)
• State’s web site.
• find the food stamp office nearest you in Colorado

• Local offices are also listed in the State or local government pages of the telephone book under "Food Stamps," "Social Services," "Human Services," "Public Assistance," or a similar title.

OBTAINING AN APPLICATION

• Colorado food stamp application

• However, at minimum, States should have their food stamp application available on their website in every language in which the agency makes a printed application available.

• You may ask for it in person, over the phone, or by mail. You can also ask someone else to get one for you. The food stamp office will give you an application form on the same day you ask for one.

•  

  Fill in your name, address, telephone number, and as much other information as you can on the application form, and sign it. You must answer all questions completely and honestly. If you knowingly give false information or intentionally fail to report required information, you may incur substantial penalties, including fines, imprisonment, and removal from the program.

  You can take, send, or mail the form to the food stamp office. Some States accept faxed or e-mailed applications.

  Currently, most States do not accept food stamp applications online.  This will enable you to print an application, fill it out, and send it to your local food stamp office.

  The office will accept the form on the same day you turn it in, even if they cannot interview you on that day.

  Households that apply for benefits under the Food Stamp Program may also be able to apply for public assistance and, in some locations, State or local general assistance at the same time.

  If you and everyone you live with are applying for or getting Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, you may apply for food stamp benefits in your Social Security district office.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

1. Individuals and families who are

(note: a household consists of the number of individuals who are living together (and presumably sharing meals together), regardless of how those individuals are related or associated together.

(note: not all members of a household need to be eligible, in which case  food stamp benefits will be issued to those who are eligible.

2. and who meet basic gross and net-adjusted income limitations (listed to the right)

• Most households must meet both the gross and net income tests
• Exception: a household with an elderly person or a person who is receiving certain types of disability payments only has to meet the net income test.
  (note: a senior is 50 or older; an elderly person is 60 or older)
• Households, except those with elderly or disabled members, must have gross incomes below 130 percent of the poverty line.
• All households must have net incomes below 100 percent of poverty to be eligible.

3. and who meet basic resource and citizenship or immigration condition requirements

• Immigrant Eligibility
  --also see Food Stamp Policy on Immigrants for information on qualified alien categories and eligibility), and
  --For special non-citizen requirements

By meeting these requirements, a person or family can receive food stamps for at least 3 months.

ONLINE PRE-SCREENING ELIGIBILITY TOOL - This Pre-Screening Tool can be used to determine if you may be eligible to receive Food Stamp benefits. This Pre-Screening Tool is not an application for Food Stamps.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

• Proof of citizenship or eligibility as a non-citizen
• Social Security Numbers: for everyone in the household that is applying for benefits (A household member that does not have a Social Security number can choose not to apply for benefits and be treated as a non-applicant; HOWEVER their income and resources are still counted to determine eligibility for the remaining household members.)
• INCOME DOCUMENTATION: (Proof: You must provide proof of the income of all household members. Examples of proof include
  -- latest pay stubs or
  --a statement from your employer;
  --benefit letters from Social Security, Veterans Administration, unemployment compensation, or pensions.)
• SHELTER & RELATED EXPENSE DOCUMENTATION, including
  --Rent or mortgage;
  --Insurance on the structure (but not the contents) of a home;
  --Telephone, electricity, gas, oil, water, sewerage, garbage collection, and installation costs for utilities; and
• MEDICAL EXPENSES and proof of any reimbursement, such as an insurance policy or statement from an insurance company or agency paying these bills.
• DEPENDENT CARE COSTS, including
  --Child-support payments, such as a court order and cancelled checks;
  --day-care center or babysitter expenses
  --attendant costs for a disabled adult
• Documentation of all household resources, including vehicles and bank accounts

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD).

To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410, or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal employment provider and employer.

ELIGIBILITY (INCOME)

--Gross income means a household's total, non-excluded income, before any deductions have been made- almost all types of income are counted to determine if a household is eligible
--Net income means gross income minus allowable deductions.

Most households must have income at or below certain dollar limits before and after deductions are allowed; HOWEVER

--households in which all members are getting public assistance or SSI (or, in some locations, general assistance) do not have to meet the income eligibility tests.

Applicants have the right to be told in advance if the food stamp office is going to reduce or end your benefits during your certification period because of a change in your situation that you did not report in writing;

ELIGIBILITY (ALLOWABLE DEDUCTIONS)
(Rules on allowable deductions from income - the following deductions are allowed for all households: )
(October 2004, effective through September 2005)
.

• 20-percent deduction from earned income 
• Standard deduction of $134 for most households (and higher for households with 5 or more persons);
• actual costs of dependent care of dependent children and disabled adults (when this care is needed so that a household member can work, look for a job, or get training or education leading to a job (and with dollar limits on the deduction, not exceed $200 for each child under age 2 and not to exceed $175 for each other dependent)
• Medical expenses for elderly (age 60 or older) or disabled members (receiving disability payments) that are more than $35 for the month (Medical costs are deductible only if they are not covered by insurance, a government program, or some other source);
• Legally owed child support payments;
• Excess allowable shelter costs that are more than half of the household's income after the other deductions.
  --There is a dollar limit on the amount of shelter expenses that may be deducted: maximum amount of the shelter deduction cannot be more than $378
  --however if there is an elderly or disabled household member, the dollar limit does not apply.);

note: Allowable costs include the
--cost of fuel to heating / cooking,
--electricity,
--water,
--basic fee for one telephone,
--rent or mortgage payments and taxes on the home.

ELIGIBILITY (RESOURCE LIMITS)
(bank accounts, cash, real estate, personal property, vehicles, etc)

Resources are also considered in determining whether a household is eligible to get food stamp benefits.

• All households may have up to $2,000 worth of countable resources and still be eligible.

• Households may have up to $3,000 and still be eligible if at least one member is age 60 or older, or disabled.

Excluded resources:

• home and lot

• resources of people who receive Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) (formerly AFDC)

• resources of people who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

• most retirement and pension plans

• possibly a vehicle or vehicles, depending on various factors and special considerations.
   

FOOD STAMP ALLOWANCE ADJUSTMENTS

Food stamps allowance is adjusted for medical expenses over $35/month.
--Recipients with high Prescription drug spending and who apply for Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage may experience a drop in food stamps income because of lower adjusted income as a consequence of lowered drug spending because of extra help received in Medicare Prescription Drug benefits.  In general, every $1 of lower adjusted income will result in 30 cents decline in food stamp income.
--Some individuals who receive a minimum food stamps benefit of $10/month because of reduced adjusted income as a result of high drug spending, may no longer qualify for food stamps because of reduced drug spending due the Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage benefits.

ELIGIBILITY (VEHICLE ISSUES)

EXCLUDED & SPECIAL CASE VEHICLES

• A single licensed vehicles per household with a fair market value of not over $4,650

• Any other vehicle that a teen-aged member of the household drives to work, school, job training or to look for work that has a fair market value of not over $4,650

• A special-case vehicle that is

  • used for income-producing purposes,

  • needed for long distance travel for work (other than daily commute),

  • needed to transport a physically disabled household member, 

  • used as the home,

  • needed to carry most of the household's fuel or water, or

  • if the household has little equity in the vehicle (because of money owed on the vehicle, it would bring no more than $1,500 if sold).

EXCEPTIONS TO EXCLUDED VEHICLES

• For excluded vehicles, vehicle value in excess of $4,650 is counted as a resource

• for all other non-excluded vehicles and/or any non-special-case vehicles with a fair market value or equity value of over $4,650 (whichever is greater)  is a resource that will be counted. (Equity value is the market value of the vehicle, less the amount the household owes on it.)

NON-EXCLUDED VEHICLE(S)

• (Most States have a less stringent vehicle policy, based on the rules in their Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. Many States exempt one vehicle per household; others exempt all vehicles. If you ask about it, the eligibility worker will explain any differences from the policy described above.)

• Significant Improvements to Vehicle Rules of the Food Stamp Program

NOTIFICATION OF ELIGIBILITY or INELIGIBILITY

The sooner you get the form in to the office, the sooner you can get your benefits, if you are eligible.

If your household has little or no money and needs help right away, you may be able to get food stamps within 7 days.OTHERWISE If your household has little or no money and needs help right away, you may be able to get food stamps within 7 days.

If the office finds that you are eligible, you will be able to get your food stamp benefits no later than 30 days from the date you first applied, unless you qualify for faster service. If you have no income (or very little income) for the month and you need help right away, you may qualify for 7-day service.

If you qualify for food stamp benefits, you will get them no later than 30 days from the date the office got your application. If your household has little or no money and needs help right away, you may be able to get food stamps within 7 days.

After you have turned in your application, the food stamp office will contact you to set up an interview to go over your application. A food stamp worker will explain the program rules and help you complete any parts of the application that you have not filled out. The worker will also ask you for proof of certain information you have given. Ask the worker to explain anything you don’t understand. It’s important that you understand the rules.

If you do qualify, the notice will explain how much your food stamp benefit will be. It will also tell you how many months you can get food stamp benefits before you must reapply.

APPEALING AN INELIGIBILITY DECISION

If you do not qualify for food stamp benefits, the notice will explain why.

Applicants have the rights
--to look at his/her personal case file;
--to receive a copy of the Food Stamp Program rules;
--to have a fair hearing if the applicant doesn't think the rules were applied correctly in his/her case.

Tell the Food Stamp office and/or food stamp worker if the application has been wrongly denied or has been incorrectly calculated to provide an incorrect amount of food stamp benefits.

In the case of disagreements, ask to have your case reviewed by a fair hearing official.  A fair heating can be requested in writing, in person, or over the phone.

The office will then provide information about Colorado hearing rules.  A friend or relative or anyone else can be asked to help in preparing for the hearing and to go to the hearing with you.

In some cases, you can continue to get your food stamp benefits without a change while you are waiting for the hearing decision.  If the final official decision of the food stamp office upholds the contested decision, any advances on food stamp benefits will need to be repaid.

If the hearing official decides you are right, you will continue to get or begin to get the correct amount of food stamp benefits, including the amount of food stamp benefits you had a right since the date of application and the date of final decision that has not already been provided.

APPLICANT RESPONSIBILITIES

• To answer all questions completely and honestly when applying for food stamps, and sign your name to certify, under penalty of perjury, that all your answers are true.
  --Do not put your money or possessions in someone else’s name in order to be able to get food stamp benefits.
• Provide the requested proof that you are eligible.
• Promptly report significant changes in household circumstances to the food stamp office that might affect eligibility or the amount of food stamps being provided..

LEGAL OBLIGATIONS

• Not to provide knowingly false information
• Not to make changes on any food stamp cards or documents.
• Not to sell, trade, or give away your food stamps, or any food stamp cards or documents.
• to use food stamp benefits only to buy eligible items.

BENEFITS
(October 1, 2004 - September 30, 2005)

Currently, program benefits provide an average of nearly $1.62 - $1.23 /meal (depending on the number of eligible persons in the household

SPECIAL EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS include:

• Able-bodied adults between 16 and 60 must register for work;
• Accept suitable employment that is offered;
   
• Take part in an employment and training program to which they are referred by the food stamp office.

EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING MANDATORY PARTICIPANT: "A Food Stamp Program applicant or participant required to work register... is not necessarily actively participating in an E&T program.

WORKFARE: "A work component in which food stamp recipients perform work in a public service capacity as a condition of eligibility." 

"A 'work component' is one that provides an actual job in the workplace.  Work components are limited to workfare, OJT, and or work experience."

EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING

1. Job Search (independently or within a group setting) "...should entail approximately 12 contacts with employers per month for two months.
2. Job Search Training (may combine job search activities with other training and support activities.)
3. Workfare ("in which food stamp recipients perform work in a public service capacity as a condition of eligibility... and assignments must provide the same benefits and working conditions provided to regular employees performing comparable work for comparable hours."
4. Self-Initiated Workfare: ("ABAWDs voluntarily participate and find their own workfare job assignments")
5. Work Experiences: "...actual work experience and/or training... must provide the same benefits and working conditions provided to regularly employed individuals performing comparable work for comparable hours."
6. Vocational Training: "training in a skill or trade allowing the participant to move directly into employment."
7. Education: ("educational components that establish a direct link to job-readiness..."
8. Self-Employment Training: ("...training in setting-up and operating a small businessor other self-employment venture."
9. WIA: Job-training services...under the Workforce Investment Act..."

EXTENDED BENEFITS - ABAWD

There are three sets of rules that apply for individuals and families to received extended benefits beyond 3 months.  These rules distinguish among ABAWDs, NON-ABAWDs, and individuals/families with EXEMPTIONs or EXCLUSIONs.

ABAWD = Able Bodied Adult Without Dependents between the ages of 18 and 50.

Generally, able-bodied adults aged 18 to 50 who do not have children and are not pregnant can only get food stamps for 3 months in a 3-year period unless they are working or participating in a work or workfare program, or have an exemption.

"ABAWD WORK REQUIREMENT"

"An ABAWD is not eligible to receive food stamps for more than 3 months in a 36-month period during which the ABAWD does not work 20 hours or more a week, averaged monthly; or participate in and comply with the requirements of the workfare program... or a comparable program..."

"The ABAWD work requirement does not apply to ABAWDs who reside in areas of the state granted a waiver of the 3-month time limit... or to ABAWDs who are included in a State agency's 15 percent exemption allowance.

SPECIAL 'WORK FOR BENEFITS' REQUIREMENTS FOR ABAWDs

• "...newly certified ABAWDs are required to conduct a 30-day job search."
• --"Participants attend two days (6 hours each) of classroom instruction on job search techniques, including interviewing, telephone technique, preparation for intgerviewing and good work habits."
  --"The next five days are spent in a phone room arranging interviews with prospective employers."
  --"Participants must make five documented job contacts a day in the subsequent three weeks, reporting to a case manager every other week."

• Work for Benefits for ABAWDs in the 3rd month of eligibility: : "At the end of the 30-day job search period, if the ABAWD has not obtained employment, he/she is offered a workfare slot at a local public or private nonprofit agency...
• "If the ABAWD accepts the offer, heor she will be required to work total monthly hours equvalent to  the number of hours obtained by dividing the household's monthly food stamp allotment by the minimum wage.
   
• If at the end of that 30-days, the applicant is still unemployed, the individual will be offered a position with a public/private non-profit organization.
  • The placed ABAWD will receive a $50 transportation reimbursement)

With some exceptions, able-bodied adults between 16 and 60 must register for work, accept suitable employment, and take part in an employment and training program to which they are referred by the food stamp office.

Failure to comply with these requirements (with some exceptions) can result in disqualification from the Program.

In addition, able-bodied adults between 18 and 50 who do not have any dependent children can get food stamps only for 3 months in a 36-month period if they do not work or participate in a workfare or employment and training program other than job search. This requirement is waived in some locations. 

able-bodied adults between 18 and 50 who do not have any dependent children (referred to as ABAWDs) can get food stamps only for 3 months in a 36-month period during which he/she does not work 20 or more hrs/week, OR participate in a workfare or employment and training program other than job search for 20 or more hrs/week.

EXTENDED BENEFITS for NON-ABAWD

NON-ABAWD: (work requirement & 3-month limitations do not apply for non-ABAWDs who are:

ABLE BODIED WORK REQUIREMENTS & 3-MONTH LIMITATIONS also

--individuals under 18 or over 50
--medically certified as physically/mentally unfit to work
--parents (or other) who is responsible for a dependent child
--are exempt (excluded) from the work requirements
--pregnant

(However, individuals between 50 and 60 are required to register for work and accept a suitable employment offer.)

EXTENDED BENEFITS for individuals & families with EXEMPTIONS 
 

The work requirement does not apply if

• the individual/family resides in an area of the state where a state agency has requested the 3-month time-limit waiver has been granted
  --i.e., areas where there are insufficient jobs for ABAWDs or
  -- with unemployment rates above 10%),
•  
• the individual/family applying has been granted a special exemption
  --up to 15% of able bodied applicants may be granted special exception waivers)

EXTENDED BENEFITS for individuals & families with  EXCLUSIONS

Students: Most able-bodied students ages 18 through 49 who are enrolled in college or other institutions of higher education at least half time are not eligible for food stamp benefits.

However,a student may be able to get food stamp benefits if otherwise eligible and he/she:

• Receives public assistance benefits under a Title IV-A program;
• Takes part in a State or federally financed work study program;
• Works at least 20 hours a week;
• Is taking care of a dependent child under the age of 6;
• Is taking care of a dependent child over the age of 5 but under 12 and does not have adequate child care to attend school and work a minimum of 20 hours or take part in a State/federally financed work study program;
• Is a single parent enrolled full time in college and taking care of a dependent household member under the age of 12 can get food stamp benefits if otherwise eligible; or
• has been assigned to or placed in a college or certain other schools through:
  --A program under the Workforce Investment Act of 1998;
  --A program under Section 236 of the Trade Act of 1974;
  --An employment and training program under the Food Stamp Act; or
  --An employment and training program operated by a State or local government.

Persons on Strike: Households with a person who is on strike because of a labor dispute are not eligible unless they were eligible the day before the strike and continue to be eligible at the time of application. (Eligible households cannot get more food stamp benefits just because the striking member is getting less income.)

HUNGER AWARENESS DAY
June 7, 2005 will mark this year's observance, with activities taking place
in communities across America.

FOOD STAMP HANDBOOK (63 pp) (PDF)

Food Stamps and Other Nutrition Programs (03/02) (05-10100), En Español (05-10978)

Food Stamp Facts (09/04) (05-10101), En Español (05-10105)

General Food Stamp Information

• Food Stamp Program Frequently Asked Questions

• 2005 Eligibility Limits

• A Guide to Food Stamp Program Outreach

• Food Stamp Program (FSP) Facts 

• Questions and Answers About Getting and Using Food Stamps
  --English Pamphlet ( PDF 262KB)
  --Spanish Pamphlet (PDF 275KB)

• A Small Reason to Find Out if You Qualify for Food Stamps
  --English Poster, child (PDF 125KB)
  --English Flyer, child (PDF 77KB)

• Who Qualifies for Food Stamps?
  --English Poster, group (PDF 135KB)
  --English Flyer, group (PDF 75KB)

• Food Stamps Can Help Make Ends Meet
  --(English Poster, senior man (PDF 160KB)
  --(English Flyer, senior man (PDF 80KB)

• Food Stamps Can Help You Now
  -- Flyer, FNS-367 (English, woman and daughter, PDF  185KB)

• You Were There for Us (Now let us be there for you) (ref veterans) -- English Poster - man in jeans (PDF 155KB)

• Food Stamps for Working Families: Issues and Options

• Food Stamp Program Shelter Deduction Fact Sheet

Tip Sheet on Other Federal Means-Tested Programs and the Low-Income Subsidy: This tip sheet was developed by CMS to help people who assist beneficiaries explain how Medicare prescription drug coverage will work with other federal means-tested programs.

USING FOOD STAMPS

Once approved and certified, an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card will be issued, and the recipient will be supplied with a personal identification number (PIN). (Some areas are still using paper coupons, but they are being phased out.)  The EBT card is used like a credit card at the grocery store.  The cost of the food stamp items you purchase will be subtracted from the amount in your food stamp EBT account, up to the balance remaining in your food stamp EBT account.

FSP Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Facts

If someone is needed to purchase groceries an a food stamp recipient's behalf because of a disability, lack of transportation, or other reason, another trusted person can be made an authorized representative.

Food stamps can only be used for

• food,
• plants, and
• seeds to grow food for your household to eat.

Food stamps cannot be used to buy:

• nonfood items, (e.g., pet foods; soaps, paper products, and household supplies; grooming items, toothpaste, and cosmetics);
• alcoholic beverages and tobacco,
• vitamins and medicines,
• food items that will be eaten in the store, or
• hot foods

SENIOR CITIZENS AND THE FOOD STAMP PROGRAM

Ten Myths About the Elderly

• Page 1 (PDF 21KB)
• Page 2 (PDF 17KB)

In 2003, the last year for which there are official USDA data, 36.2 million (or 11.2% of) Americans lived in households unable to purchase adequate food, up from 34.9 million hungry Americans in 2002.

• Over one-third of those in hungry and food insecure households (13.3 million in 2003) are children. This is almost one-fifth of all American children.

• Over half of all food stamp recipients are children and another quarter are elderly or disabled persons. Of the remainder, close to half are working or participating in the Food Stamp Employment and Training program or are subject to other program work requirements (e.g., TANF). Of the 5 percent of all food stamp recipients neither working nor subject to a work requirement, half are caring for a young child.

• Of all food stamp households in FY 2003 (the year for which the most recent detailed USDA data are available), 55 percent contain children; households with children receive 79.3 percent of all food stamp benefits. 18 percent of food stamp households contain an elderly person and 23 percent contain a disabled person. Approximately 88 percent of food stamp households have gross incomes below the poverty line ($[18,100] for a family of four in 2002). Approximately 38.4 percent of food stamp households have gross incomes at or below half of the poverty line.

• Hunger has adverse consequences for all Americans, but particularly for children and mothers. It impedes growth and development, is a significant predictor of adverse health conditions, and is associated with behavior problems among preschoolers and school-age children.

• The Food Stamp Program currently reaches only about one-half of eligible low-income working families.

• The Food Stamp Program is efficiently targeted to reach people who have the most difficulty affording an adequate diet. Over 95 percent of benefits go to households with incomes below the poverty level; nearly all of the remaining beneficiaries are elderly or disabled.

• A full-time minimum wage worker earns the equivalent of just under half of the poverty level for a family of four. Even with the earned income tax credit (EITC), this family’s income is only about 70 percent of poverty. Food stamps make it possible for such working poor families to stretch their income so that it approaches the poverty level.

Participant Characteristics

• Over half (51.0 percent) of all food stamp participants are children; 40.7 percent are nonelderly adults; and 8.5 percent are elderly. Over three quarters (79.3 percent) of all food stamp benefits go to households with children

• Approximately one-third (33.3 percent) of all children receiving food stamps are age four or under, and 66.7 percent of children receiving food stamps are school-age.

• Among adult participants, 68.5 percent are women.

• Forty-two (42.3) percent of food stamp participants are white; 34.3 percent are African-American; and 18.3 percent are Hispanic.

Household Characteristics

• Of all food stamp households, 54.7 percent contain children. Eighteen percent (18.0 percent) of food stamp households contain an elderly person and 23.3 percent contain a disabled person.

• The average food stamp household has 2.3 persons; households with children average 3.3 persons.

Income

• Nearly 9 in 10 (88.3 percent) of food stamp households have income below the poverty line.

• Over one-third (38.4 percent) of all food stamp households have income below half the poverty line.

• The average gross income of food stamp households is $640/month.

• Over 28 percent (28.2 percent) of food stamp households have earned income.

USDA’s Economic Research Service (ERS) estimates that each $1 billion of retail demand by food stamps generates $340 million in farm production, $110 million in farm value-added, and 3,300 farm jobs; and each $5 of food stamps generates almost $10 in total economic activity.  Fortunately, tools are available to bring federal food stamp dollars into families and communities, where each dollar is estimated to produce nearly two dollars in economic activity. See FRAC's "Countercyclical Section" attachment.

Food Stamps Make America Stronger

• English Poster, - women with child (PDF 117KB)
• English Poster - man in jean jacket (PDF 173KB)

Food stamp participation dipped in January 2005 to 25,458,113, an over-the-month decline of  29,290, but an over-the-year increase of nearly two million people.

Food stamp participation increased by 155,096 persons in March 2005 to 25,443,097 persons. This follows two consecutive monthly caseload declines and puts the over-the-year increase in Food Stamp Program participation to more than 1.6 million persons. Food Stamp Program growth over the year reflects continuing joblessness, state actions to improve access, and the effects of the food stamp reauthorization implementation.

The number of people participating in the Food Stamp Program in March 2005 was 8.56 million more persons than July 2000, when program participation nationally reached its lowest point in the last decade.

Caseloads dropped through 1998 and 1999 as the economy improved and many states failed to get food stamps to low-income families who had left cash welfare for low-paid work. Caseloads then stabilized and began rising in 2000. Increases in participation since 2001 likely have been driven by improved access to the program in states, including most recently for legal immigrants, and by the weakened economy.

Participation has risen in 45 of the last 51 months. Participation in March 2005 rose in the District of Columbia and 46 of the 50 states compared to a year earlier.

Nonetheless, research suggests that nearly half of all eligible people are not receiving food stamp benefits. See FRAC's "Gaps in Coverage" page. Fortunately, tools are available to bring federal food stamp dollars into families and communities, where each dollar is estimated to produce nearly two dollars in economic activity. See FRAC's "Countercyclical Section" attachment.

Food Stamp Participation in April 2005 was Nearly 1.5 Million Above April 2004 Level.  The number of people participating in the Food Stamp Program in April 2005 was 8.49 million more persons than July 2000.

Participation has risen in 45 of the last 52 months. Participation in April 2005 rose in the District of Columbia and 46 of the 50 states compared to a year earlier.

Research continues to suggest that nearly half of all eligible people are not receiving food stamp benefits. See FRAC's "Gaps in Coverage" page.
 

FOOD STAMP OUTREACH COALITION (National Anti-Hunger Advocacy Groups)

• The American Association of Retired Persons Tax-Aide Program

• The American Public Human Services Association

• America's Second Harvest
• Bread for the World
• Call to Renewal
• Catholic Charities
• The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
• The Center for Workforce Preparation, US Chamber of Commerce

• The Community Food Security Coalition

• The Congressional Hunger Center
• The Food Research and Action Center
• H&R Block
• The Lutheran Office for Governmental Affairs
• The National Coalition for the Homeless
• The National Council of La Raza
• The National Eligibility Workers' Association
• The National Immigration Law Center
• The National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty
• The National League of Cities
• The Urban Institute
• World Hunger Year

MEDIA MATERIAL
materials can be ordered online or by contacting us.)

Food Stamp Outreach Resource Center - The USDA's Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) Provides information about dozens of organizations around the country that have materials to help raise awareness about food stamps.

Food Stamp Magnet -- Food Stamps Make America Stronger, FNS-367 (Order online)

Ten Myths About the Elderly

• Page 1 (PDF 21KB)
• Page 2 (PDF 17KB)

ordering media materials

Nutrition Update Newsletter, April 2005
This edition features information on the release of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2006 FSNE Plan Guidance, an update on the food stamp Education and Administrative Reporting System (EARS), new materials from Eat Smart. Play Hard™, a call for award nominations as part of the Second FNS National Nutrition Education Conference, information on USDA activities based on the release of the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and research tools to support science based nutrition education.

Colorado Department of Human Services
Food Stamp Nutritional Education Contact:
Bridget Barron email
1575 Sherman St, Denver 303.866.2535

FSNE Implementing Agencies (sub-grantees)

Colorado State University,    Cooperative Extension Contact:
   Jennifer Anderson email
   Department of Food Science & Human Nutrition, 200-A Gifford Bldg, Fort Collins 970.491.7334

COLORADO NUTRITIONAL EDUCATION PLAN (NEP) is an outreach function funded by the Food and Nutrition Service of the United States Department of Agriculture through the Colorado Department of Human Services, Food Stamp Program. It is headquartered in the Food Science and Human Nutrition Department at Colorado State University

• Colorado Nutrition Network---
  The Colorado Nutrition Network is a statewide collaborative alliance with the mission to link together public and private organizations to promote and coordinate nutrition education for low-income Coloradans. The Network has two major initiatives:
  --Food Friends: Making New Foods Fun for Kids program designed to introduce new foods and create a positive feeding environment in an effort to increase children's willingness to try new foods. The program consists of "hands-on" nutrition activities, storybooks, and many opportunities to try new foods. and
  --Nutrition Links.

  • Family Style Meals Project (PDF)
  • Nutrition Education for People with Disabilities (PDF)
  • Project F.U.N (PDF)
  • Boys and Girls Developing Healthy Habits (PDF)