SNAP and Underserved Oregonians

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program - formerly food stamps SNAP benefits are 100% federal food dollars with states and FNS (Food and Nutrition Services) sharing 50% of administrative costs SNAP is administered by the USDA through FNS SNAP is the cornerstone of the federal food assistance programs, serving more than 45 million people each month More than half of recipients are children 51% of all Americans will use SNAP during their lifetime SNAP

Oregon SNAP Facts Almost 800,000 Oregonians receive SNAP each month 1 in 5 Oregonians Only about 70% of eligible households are participating

Economic Stimulus SNAP brought more than $1 billion federal food dollars into Oregon in both 2010 and 2011 USDA estimates each $1 billion in SNAP results in an increase of 16,400 private-sector jobs in: – Farming – Livestock – Food processing and food transportation – Rural and urban grocery stores Each $1 in SNAP creates $1.79 in economic activity

SNAP Eligibility in Oregon Federal policy options allow for Expanded Categorical Eligibility This means like WIC and school meals – SNAP uses 185% of the FPL No resource limit for most households! Monthly benefits range: Individuals $16 to $200 with average of $130 Households average $250 Senior households average $90

OTAP (Oregon Telephone Assistance Program) Free school meals WIC (Women, Infants and Children) Deferral of student loans (no interest accrues for subsidized loans) Farm Direct Nutrition Program for seniors (FPL is lower) $5 music, theater and dance tickets Benefits with SNAP eligibility

SNAP Outreach Resources

SafeNet/211info

Other SNAP Outreach Tools

Myths and Messaging

“We’re not eligible because we have money in the bank and own our home and cars.” Unlike many other states, Oregon does not look at resources for most SNAP households This helps stabilize middle and working class families whose income has dropped Unfortunately many families go through their resources before turning to SNAP

“Using SNAP dollars places a burden on Oregon’s economy” SNAP benefits are 100% federal dollars - providing an important support for Oregon communities More than $1 billion federal tax dollars are returned to Oregon’s economy each year, supporting local grocery stores and farmer’s markets and the people they employ

“Other people need those dollars more than I do.” More people than ever before are using SNAP today due to the economy The program is funded federally each year to cover everyone who is eligible SNAP money expands and contracts as needed If eligible but not receiving benefits, you are not saving them for someone else, you are just not bringing those federal dollars back to Oregon

Underserved Oregonians Seniors Latinos Rural populations Students

Seniors Across the nation 2 out of 3 eligible not participating WA County focus groups; barriers and messaging Prescreening and information at senior sites Healthy Elders Healthy Communities faith-based outreach

Latinos Many adults are ineligible for SNAP May safely apply for children or other family members Barriers to applying include fear of: Public Charge” against citizenship Sponsor deeming Immigrant reporting Misinformation from trusted sources

Rural Populations Barriers include: Misinformation Stigma Transportation issues Lack of SNAP authorized stores

Students Able-bodied students age may qualify if they are: Working for pay an average of 20 hours per week Single with a child under 12 Married with a child under 6 Taking employer-sponsored classes Working any hours in a work-study job

New Policy for Students Beginning October 1, 2011 Students receiving employment benefits are exempt from the student work requirement Students receiving state or federal financial aid who have an award of work study are exempt from the student work requirement if the school has no work study jobs available

Policy and Recommendations

SNAP and Underserved Oregonians Nancy Weed, PHFO Sue Porter, DHS Suzan Miller, Univision John Elizalde, OFRAH Karen Wagner, CAPECO Judith Auslander, PHFO

Agenda 1.SNAP overview 1.Panel presentations SNAP Impact in Rural and Urban Areas Senior outreach Faith based outreach Rural outreach Latino outreach 3. Small group discussion on barriers and strategies 4. Large group report out

Small group work Select group of interest Appoint note taker and spokesperson Answer and discuss 4 questions Record ideas on chart paper Report back to large group

Small group questions 1. Why are eligible (people) not getting their SNAP benefits? 2. What are some strategies that might help? 3. What is the best way to reach underserved people? Printed brochures – what type of messaging? Internet; TV; radio, newspapers – ideas? 4. If you had funding for outreach, what would you do?