Food Stamps vs. Food Banks: Feeding America By: Avery Williams

What are Food Stamps? A voucher issued by the government to those on low income, exchangeable for food. Can be used in over 200,000 locations around the country Used for primary source of food for families in need

Who Uses Food Stamps? Over 46.3 million use food stamps 76% of families contain at least 1 child, elderly, or disabled person Earnings of less than $19,530 a year in a family of 3 Average monthly income of $744 Net income of $338 after medical, care, and other necessary expenses

How Can Food Stamps Hurt? Of users, 90% of them finish their monthly amount within 3 weeks. From here, they usually visit their local food pantry to fill these gaps Receive $ per person per month Only about $1.50 per meal Only 57% of those considered “food insecure” qualify for and receive food stamps Unhealthy foods are less points, causing people to make poor health choices and buys foods that do not meet all their dietary requirements, such as reaching for chips rather than fresh produce

Flaws in the Program Fraud Fake identification – such as citizenship papers Use of fake social security cards from deceased individuals  This fraud has cause over $200 million as of 2012 straight out of tax money

Corruption in Food Stamps Stamps sold on black market in exchange for money, drugs, or weapons– “food stamp trafficking” 463,000 cases of trafficking have been reported – and those are just the ones being caught, imagine how many more are participating!

What is a Food Bank? a place supplying food to poor or displaced people Nonprofit organizations Run by volunteers and community donations Banks provide for the pantries Only provide foods for balanced diet

Who Uses Food Banks? Need-based Must have referral from higher authority (ex: counselor, clergy, ministry, medical provider, or social worker) at each visit Visit every 45 days

Overlapping

How to Use a Food Bank/Pantry: For 1 Person  NOTE: each item is usually 1-2 points Grains: 7 points Vegetables: 5 points Fruit: 4 points Dairy: 4 points Meat/ Proteins: 3 points Extras (dressing, soup, etc.): 3 points  This is the food received for 45 days

Continued… Notice how the point system forces one to receive a balanced diet to feed themselves and their family Healthy options are provided as well as hygiene products when available (1 per person)

Now it’s your turn to shop!