Since I began working with United Way’s Bridge to Basics program, I have been interested in learning more about public benefits and the best ways to get people in our community connected to them.  Unfortunately, between changing guidelines and clients’ vastly different situations, determining eligibility and applying for Basic Food (Washington’s food stamp program) is not always simple.  Therefore, I was excited when I heard of the Basic Food Outreach Forum put on by WithinReach, as I knew I’d be able to gain some…

I figured I’d start out this post with a old adage I’ve heard more than a few times in the past week:

“A hungry man is an angry man”

Ellen Gustafson started off her presentation at the Hunger Action Forum with this quote, and in her work with a military defense think tank, she found it to be true – areas where there is very low food security are the same areas of the world that are the most violent and…

[Our public policy director Carol Wood takes a look at Congress' mixed bag for social services].

The Good News:  On Tuesday, the House of Representatives voted in support of the federal bill to fund FMAP (Federal Medical Assistance Percentage) after they were called back from their August recess by Speaker Nancy Pelosi.  This House action mirrored that taken by the Senate on August 5.

The bill extends the increased FMAP for a 6 month period beyond the current December 31, 2010 termination date (to…

[Fire roasted tomato and bleu cheese soup with a bacon apple and caramelized onion grilled cheese panini]

Candi Wilvang participated in the United Way Hunger Challenge with her family of three – Mom, Dad and ten year old son (with some help from her 20 year old son). Read about their experience below.

The challenge was an awesome experience for our family to take. I am the mother of two son’s ages 20 and 10. My oldest son Shattuck lives…

Thanks to the extensive advocacy of United Way Worldwide, local United Ways and other Emergency Food and Shelter program partners throughout the country, Congress voted to approve $200 million for fiscal year 2010 for the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP).  The funding was included in the Homeland Security Appropriations bill, passed by the House and approved by the Senate on October 21, 2009.   President Obama is expected to sign the bill into law sometime soon.

Though  this is the same level of funding as…

(Click for a full-size view)

I am a sucker for infographics and boy does GOOD Magazine produce solid infographics.  They consistently take data and make it look awesome.

They recently graphed out the number of people who are using food stamps with interesting results.

(Aside: “Food Stamps” is a colloquialism. Nationally, the program is called SNAP and in Washington it’s known as Basic Food.  For the sake of simplicity, I’ll be calling it Food Stamps)

Why More People Are…

As I pretty much just mentioned, lots of people are getting hit by the weak economy.  Whether it’s losing their jobs, having their hours cut, or finding lower paying jobs, many of these people are not making enough to support themselves.  What’s worse, many don’t know where to turn for help.

One of the most useful programs available to low-income families and individuals is the food stamp program (it’s called “Basic Food” in Washington and “SNAP” in the federal level).

While it’s difficult to live…