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U.S. GOVERNMENT 2: Eligible People Not Receiving Food Stamps

The Food Research and Action Center reported that over 3 million people in large cities may not be receiving food stamps. The anti-hunger group’s research revealed that only 5.4 million, or about 62% of eligible people in 25 big cities, actually receive food stamps. This results in over $2.1 billion dollars of unused food stamps.

Approximately 23 percent of eligible people in Alameda County, California, actually receive food stamps. In San Diego County, California, 26 percent receive food stamps. In Harris County, Texas, 40 percent of eligible people receive this type of government assistance. Overall, approximately 25 million people receive food stamps across the nation.

Federal rules mostly determine who is qualified to receive food stamps. People can use food stamps, which are issued in a debit-type card, at supermarkets and other retail stores.

So why are so many food stamps unused? It's due to a variety of reasons. Sometimes immigrants are eligible for food stamps but, because of language or cultural barriers, they do not know that they qualify. Sometimes the local policies are confusing, such as one requiring people to attend an information session before receiving the food stamps.

Terri Teuber, spokeswoman for the Department of Agriculture, told the Associated Press that Agriculture Department officials are working to make the program simpler and spread the word about who's eligible. She also said, "We want to ensure that all who are eligible know about the program and receive nutrition assistance with dignity and respect.”

Budget cuts in food stamps may become a reality as lawmakers decide whether or not to cut $3 billion from agriculture programs.

--Written by Renee Clara

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