Alameda County Community Food Bank

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Contact: Judyth Collin
(510) 636-4902

National Study Reveals Food Stamp Participation Up in Alameda County
—Report shows $34 million in unclaimed benefits in 2005—

11 October 2007 -- (Oakland, CA) –– Alameda County left $34 million in unclaimed federal Food Stamp Program benefits on the table during 2005, according to a report released today by the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC) in Washington, D.C. The study shows that Alameda County continues to lead the state in increased Food Stamp Program participation, with 20 percent more eligible residents using the federal program in 2007 than 2005. The participation rate in Alameda County currently stands at 58 percent, 17th among the 24 counties studied nationwide.

“We are thrilled that Alameda County leads the state in improving access to food stamps,” said Allison Pratt, Director of Policy and Services at the Alameda County Community Food Bank. “Unfortunately, California state law complicates the application process and contributes to our low national ranking. For instance, we are one in only three states that require finger imaging to obtain food stamps. The Governor has on his desk, awaiting signature, two bills that could simplify access to food stamps, help alleviate hunger in our community and bring federal dollars into our state economy.”

The governor is now considering Assembly Bill 1382 (Leno-D) which would eliminate the finger imaging requirement; and Assembly Bill 508 (Swanson-D), which would allow those who are coming out of prison on certain drug-related charges to apply for food stamps. “We hope the Governor will pass these bills and help more California families connect with food stamp benefits,” said Pratt.

The national participation rate stands at 65 percent of those who are eligible and represents billions of dollars in lost revenue that could be pumped into local economies. Experts cite the decreased value of the benefits as one of the primary reasons for low participation. Since the program’s inception in 1977, the minimum benefit has not kept up with inflation or the rising cost of living and has remained frozen at $10 for the past 30 years. Food stamp recipients get an average of only $1 a meal – not nearly enough to provide a healthy diet.

Congress is currently considering changes to the Food Stamp Program, which is part of the Farm Bill. Improvements in the bill would strengthen benefits for the elderly, disabled, and families with high child-care costs. The proposed changes would also allow families to save for retirement or education without jeopardizing their food stamp eligibility.