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Feeding Our Neighbors

Communities turn to government and private resources—and considerable compassion—to provide relief to those in need.

By Susan Davis Gryder

Hunger in America is a staggering problem. Despite the aisles and aisles of products available in most super- markets and various symbols of American wealth and comfort conveyed through relentless television and print advertising, there are families in virtually every community in this country that are struggling to make ends meet. And their cupboards are bare.

Look closely and you will find food-insecure households in every setting from coast to coast, in rural farms and suburban neighborhoods and the inner city. Hungry Americans defy stereotypes: You will find them among all races and ages, from very young to very old. While many are un- or underemployed, others have jobs, but carry the burden of caring for immediate and extended family members. Advocacy organizations estimate that one in six Americans will be hungry today, as you read this article, including almost 20 million children. In fact, according to Feeding America, in more than 1,000 U.S. counties, upward of 25% of kids go to bed hungry at night. Of , as a professional, you have seen—and served—some of the faces of hunger in your community. The federal school programs—including , and —that you offer make a big difference in providing area children with essential nutrition support, mostly when school is in session. But what about when are closed? And what about other family members who are going without? There is an array of federal programs that can help fill the gap, as well as relief programs coordi- nated and funded by nonprofit organizations, including places of worship. Take a little time to famil- iarize yourself with the following overview of such resources, so that you can help to be an information source to children, parents, coworkers and others who may not know where to turn. H36 SchoolNutrıtıon • FEBRUARY 2013 SNAPSHOT n Most people living with food insecurity must turn to a mix of public and private food supports. ■■ Some food assistance programs are targeted to assist niche populations, such as children, the elderly and the homeless. ■■ Education—including nutrition and life skills—is an important compo- nent of many programs.

www.schoolnutrition.org • SchoolNutrıtıon 37 SNAP at Your Service

Perhaps the most well-recognized federal program that assists low- income people who are struggling to get enough food on the table is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), known for decades as the Food Stamp program. As with programs, SNAP is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), with indi- vidual benefits distributed through the states. SNAP provides financial assistance for purchasing most prepackaged edible , regardless of nutritional value. The food stamp program started in 1932 during the . Needy Americans received blue-and- orange slips of paper that could be redeemed for food. As with the Despite longstanding stereotypes demonstrate that they don’t have National School Lunch Program about those who take advantage of certain assets, such as bank accounts (NSLP), established more than a government largess, the vast majority in excess of $2,000. There are other decade later, the food stamp program of SNAP beneficiaries are those who standards that limit an applicant’s also provided support for American are truly in need. More than 80% of access to SNAP: for example, if an agriculture during a time of great SNAP benefits go to households that individual is deemed able to work, price instability. The program relied include a , a senior citizen or a eligibility for benefits may be reduced. on coupons (“stamps”) bound into disabled person; indeed, nearly half of SNAP benefits also are restricted to booklets of various denominations SNAP beneficiaries are children. those with U.S. citizenship or docu- that corresponded 1:1 with U.S. Applicants are eligible if their gross mented immigrants who have currency. household income is no more than completed a five-year waiting period, By the late Nineties, the program 130% of the federal guideline: unless under age 18. had been retooled to provide partici- $24,089 for a family of three in 2012. Even those who meet all the Ppants with a more private way to In addition, despite claims that qualifications are unlikely to find access benefits, notably through recipients rely on SNAP for long-term SNAP sufficient to meet their food electronic debit cards that are support, statistics show that most and nutrition needs. Benefits work out programmed to allow the purchase of SNAP participants use program to an estimated $1.50 per person per authorized food items. Most of the benefits for just 8 to 10 months— meal, and they don’t cover a partici- time, beneficiaries use their SNAP usually sufficient time for a family to pant’s needs for an entire month. This cards to buy regular grocery items to get back on its feet and find renewed is why many users also rely on school prepare at home. Some users who sources of income. Indeed, SNAP has , other federal programs and aren’t able to prepare their own meals, been a critical resource to respond to community resources like food banks. such as people who are homeless or sweeping crises, such as the recent Do you or someone you know need disabled, can use the cards to buy U.S. recession, as well as emergency to apply for SNAP benefits? Check the prepared meals at low-cost restau- situations, such as in the wake of phone book or Internet for local rants. With the complete phase-out of hurricanes, floods and other disasters. offices, state hotline numbers and the coupons, the program was In addition to meeting income online applications to learn how to rechristened SNAP in 2008. requirements, SNAP applicants must proceed.

38 SchoolNutrıtıon • FEBRUARY 2013 More to the Rescue

In low-income families, children and their mothers—particularly pregnant and nursing moms—can be at special risk for the debilitating and long- lasting effects of hunger and malnu- trition. Lack of nutritious food creates and learning problems for babies, toddlers and preschool children that can last for years. The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) was established to provide a nutrition safety net specifi- cally for this at-risk group. WIC is administered by USDA, through its Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) division, with individual services provided at the state and local levels. WIC provides monthly benefits to nine million program participants every month, enabling them to buy healthy foods at local grocery stores. WIC serves low-income women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or postpartum, as well as their infants and children up to age 5. Each beneficiary must meet income Take a look at some quick WIC Another federal service, The guidelines and be certified as facts: Emergency Food Assistance “nutritionally at risk” by a health a About half of WIC’s nine Program (TEFAP), began in 1981 professional, such as a doctor, nurse million participants are children as part of a set of emergency measures or nutritionist. between the ages of 1 and 5; another to get more food assistance to people Approved WIC beneficiaries 25% are infants—in fact, WIC in need. Like the NSLP, TEFAP is Ireceive checks or vouchers that allow supports 53% of all infants born in administered by USDA/FNS and them to purchase nutritious, kid- the ! provides a market for U.S. agricul- friendly foods; with guidance from a The majority of WIC recipi- ture, assisting with market stabiliza- FNS staff, state agencies determine ents are white. tion while supporting low-income exactly what foods are allowed, and a WIC recipients live in all 50 Americans. cultural preferences prevalent in the states, the District of Columbia and Under TEFAP, states receive area are often taken into account, so the five territories; they use their allotments of USDA Foods according that participants can purchase such benefits at 47,000 authorized retail to their percentage of low-income and items as tortillas, brown or locations. unemployed residents. Each state specific kinds of produce. WIC a All but 10% of the women handles distribution of its TEFAP participants also receive nutrition enrolled in the program are over 18, allotment differently, with most education and counseling, provided at and more than half are working or directing the commodities received to county health departments, hospitals, have worked in the past year. Still, food banks, which, in turn, distribute mobile clinics, community centers, nearly two-thirds have incomes below it to food pantries, or public housing sites and more. the poverty line. other organizations.

40 SchoolNutrıtıon • FEBRUARY 2013 Banking on Community Support

Federal programs can only close part of 700 partner agencies that provide food the hunger gap, in part because benefits assistance directly to clients. In addition, only stretch so far and, in general, don’t the organization conducts 70 fresh keep up with fluctuating food prices. In produce drops each month to 40 neigh- addition, some of those who need services borhood sites located in “food deserts”— don’t take advantage of federal assistance, areas without grocery stores or super- either from ignorance, lack of awareness, markets, leaving residents with few pride, fear of the government, language nutritious options. barriers or mental incapacity. Like most food banks, the Capital In many , various Area gets its supplies from community organizations work to diverse sources. In addition to local food provide hunger relief services, from drives, fundraising efforts and grant formal meal preparation and delivery to monies, the organization receives large less-formal food distribution, but among amounts of food from different players in the most common of such programs are the food business. This might include food banks and food pantries. These excess inventory from distributors, two terms are often used synonymously, surplus from manufacturer test market- but although they share similar missions, ing and items that are short-code dated food banks and food pantries are not, in or minimally out of spec. Its work is strict definition, the same thing. supported by a significant corps of D.C.- A food bank is a central repository area volunteers. that stores very large amounts of food. It Food pantries tend to be the primary operates like a warehouse or wholesaler, beneficiaries of food bank resources. If a providing food to distribution sites like food bank operates as something of a M food pantries and soup kitchens. Central- wholesaler, a food pantry is more like a ized food banks are actually a relatively retail site, directly serving clients, new idea: Established in 1967, St. Mary’s typically on a planned periodic basis. Food Bank in Phoenix, Ariz., claims to Most stock only shelf-stable foods, be the world’s first food bank. although depending on available storage kitchens aren’t homeless shelters, but One of the largest food banks in the and donations, perishable items might be they often serve the same population. country and a great example of the available, as well. Some food pantries Today, they are typically referred to as extensive reach a food bank can achieve provide clients with a predetermined mix meal sites or meal programs; they might Fis the Capital Area Food Bank in of regularly stocked items and their be operated, with considerable help from Washington, D.C. Founded in 1980, on choice of special donations. Others allow volunteers, through support of a food Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday, partly clients to “shop” for themselves, selecting bank, in conjunction with a food pantry in response to cutbacks in the food stamp needed and desired items. According to a or through a religious or other private program, the Capital Area Food Bank is 2010 study from Hunger in America, organization. going strong, with some impressive food pantries can be a regular source of They might offer meals a few times a statistics. It currently distributes 30 food relied upon by some low-income week or on a daily basis. Programs range million pounds of food each year, serving individuals and families. from a local church’s opening the doors some 478,000 residents of the Washing- The term “soup ” might to its parish hall to host a hot breakfast ton metropolitan area. It operates a main conjure up vintage images of Depression- program for the homeless three times a warehouse, covering 48,000 square feet, era, down-on-their-luck men in porkpie week, to an organized meal delivery along with a smaller, supplemental hats, standing in long lines. But struc- service to shut-ins (more on that on the warehouse in the suburbs. tured charitable meal services have been next page), to mobile meal distribution The Capital Area Food Bank supports around in this country a lot longer. Soup sites around town.

42 SchoolNutrıtıon • FEBRUARY 2013 Backpack Programs Send Hunger Relief Home

Millions of kids get key nutritional nurse raised the alarm that some support from free and reduced-price were coming to school too hungry to learn. school meal programs that serve breakfast, Today, the hunger-relief organization lunch and even during the school Feeding America estimates that its local year, and from summer feeding programs programs alone distribute end-of-the-week during the long . But what about backpacks to nearly 230,000 children weekends, holidays and shorter breaks? every year. In many school districts, , Backpack programs are operated all administrators and school nutrition over the country, in both rural and urban professionals have worked together with environments, usually as part of initiatives hunger-relief organizations to provide kids launched by schools, food banks, religious with groceries or to take home institutions and other non-profits. Organiz- when school is closed. These are often ers work to obtain a regular source of packed in nondescript book bags to help donated food or lower-priced items from maintain the child’s anonymity. retailers, distributors and manufacturers The firstbackpack program in the and recruit volunteers to sort, pack and nation was said to have been established in distribute these discreet gestures of love 1995 in Little Rock, Ark., after a school and support for our neediest children. MDirect Delivery Some people who are disabled, ill or The most well known of these transportation of meals, volunteers to elderly may need hunger relief services programs is Meals On Wheels, the prepare them and costs. but aren’t able to visit local food pantries oldest national program, Some communities rely on similar or prepare meals at home. Meal delivery which serves seniors over age 60 and services as a critical stopgap in address- programs, which supply and distribute provides over one million meals each day ing hunger and nutrition. For example, prepared meals at low or no cost, help across the nation. Meals on Wheels Food and Friends is a Washington, address this need, allowing some people delivers hot meals five days a week, D.C.-based nonprofit whose clients to delay or avoid residential assisted dropping off cold items like sandwiches include people living with HIV/AIDS, living care (aka nursing homes). In fact, to be kept for non-delivery days. A cancer and other debilitating illnesses studies show that as many as 30% of voluntary donation of $4/meal is that make it challenging to shop and residents of nursing homes today have requested for those who can afford it, but prepare food at home. Proper nutrition is low-care needs that, with the right kind the program does not turn away those often critical to help clients manage their of community support, might allow who can’t pay. medical conditions. Food and Friends them to stay in their homes. And a recent The organization also works to raise delivers meals and groceries free of study from researchers at Brown awareness about the importance of charge to some 3,000 people. Rather University shows that every $25 per year feeding our senior population. Its than using income status to determine per older spent on home-delivered staffers conduct research and help client eligibility, the organization meals reduces the percentage of low-care officials identify emerging trends in food evaluates health status, need for addi- nursing home residents by one percent- insufficiency for elderly Americans. As tional nutrition and inability to prepare age point. Plus, in addition to food, meal just one example, Meals on Wheels meals. Caretakers, children and depen- delivery programs offer homebound helped develop a blueprint for delivering dents are served, as well. Individual and clients daily human contact and the services to seniors in rural areas, where corporate donations, with limited public continuity of a pleasant routine. there are unique challenges related to funds, keep the operation going. S www.schoolnutrition.org • SchoolNutrıtıon 43 Reaching & Teaching

While most community nutrition providing job training to raise people out channels provide the organization with programs help to provide on of poverty. The organization prepares about 50% of the income it needs to a short-term basis, others have taken on an some 5,000 low- or no-cost meals every operate. The rest comes from fundraising additional mission: Provide clients with day that are distributed to homeless efforts and grants. In addition, DC the tools and training for a brighter, shelters, transitional housing sites and Central Kitchen is committed to reducing sustainable future. One such program, other nonprofit organizations, as well as food waste, and takes leftover/donated Milwaukee’s Hunger Task Force, operates directly to the homeless in D.C. Meals are food from , retailers and other a 150-acre farm and hatchery outside prepared by participants in the organiza- sources—close to a million pounds of food the city. In addition to providing more tion’s culinary job training program, each year—using these contributions in its than 300,000 pounds of fresh food every offered to those who are unemployed, meal preparation. It also negotiates deals year to the city’s hungry residents, the underemployed previously incarcerated or to purchase misshapen or blemished farm offers a work program, which offers homeless. produce from local farmers. under-skilled trainees the chance to learn Each “class” of 25 students attends DC Central Kitchen may be one of the farming, warehouse work, construction, culinary classes for 14 weeks; they also oldest programs combining hunger relief landscaping, equipment repair and more. participate in self-empowerment, life skills with job skills training, but there are Program “graduates” can take those skills and job readiness training. At “gradua- similar programs all across the country into the wider workplace and build a tion,” students earn their ServSafe Food today. In Raleigh, N.C., for example, the future that will allow them to rely less or Protection Manager’s Certification, and Culinary Job Training Program of the not at all on food supports. they are ready to seek work in the foodser- Inter-Faith Food Shuttle turns out regular Another successful program that vice business. classes of graduates, training formerly marries support for the hungry with job To fund its work, DC Central Kitchen unemployed and underemployed people training is DC Central Kitchen in the has a thriving catering business, is who have faced severe life crises for Wnation’s capital. With its motto, “We Use contracted to provide meals to some area jobs. And in 2000, SNA and Food to Strengthen Communities,” DC schools and delivers fresh produce and USDA teamed up to promote a similar Central Kitchen works toward the twin healthy snacks to an estimated 30 corner model for school nutrition operations with goals of getting food to those in need while stores in the city’s food deserts. These the Community Kitchens initiative. Neighbors Helping Neighbors

A meal delivery route served by friendly volunteer faces. A foodservice kitchen staffed by hopeful trainees. Giant warehouses of donated food. A small hot lunch program that serves only a few dozen people. All of these disparate services have one thing in common: people in need, finding help from local sources of support so they can eat nutritious meals, enjoy some company and even prepare themselves for a brighter personal future. Whether such food security programs receive federal funding or operate solely on the good grace of support from local businesses and individuals, they provide the personal touch in that most personal of needs: a healthy and satisfying, nutritious meal. SN

Susan Davis Gryder is a freelance writer in Silver Spring, Md. Photography by iStockimages.com, BrandXPictures, Rayes and Thinkstock Images.

To Your Credit: For CEUs toward SNA certification, complete the “To Your Credit” test on page 48. 44 SchoolNutrıtıon • FEBRUARY 2013A