USDA LAUNCHES FOOD STAMP INFORMATION CAMPAIGN

WASHINGTON, May 26, 1999 – The Department of Agriculture will initiate a national campaign to make sure that people who are eligible for nutrition assistance from the Food Stamp Program are aware of their eligibility and of the importance of maintaining a healthful diet.

Shirley R. Watkins, Under Secretary of Agriculture for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services, said the campaign will focus primarily on the working poor, immigrants and the elderly – groups whose food stamp participation rate is low.

“We want to make sure that everyone who is eligible has ready access to the nutritional benefits the Food Stamp Program provides,” Under Secretary Watkins said.

Watkins said food stamp participation has declined by almost 5 million people over the last 5 years, and that some states, such as Mississippi, have had drops of as much as 15 percent in their food stamp participation. Part of that can be attributed to an improved economy, and part to the impact of welfare reform, but Watkins said USDA is also concerned that there may be people who are not aware that they are eligible, or who are discouraged from participating in some way.

“Some working poor families, for example, may think they are no longer eligible for food stamps because they have lost benefits in other programs such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families,” Watkins said. “We’ve had cases where local offices did not give people food stamp applications in a timely manner, and where immigrant households hesitated to apply for food stamps because they were concerned that it could impact their immigration status.” She added that the announcement yesterday by Vice President Gore that a legal immigrant who receives food stamp benefits is not considered a “public charge” under immigration law should help allay those fears.

Watkins said families who have lost benefits in other programs should know that they may still be eligible for food stamps, and that anyone who has felt discouraged or doubtful about applying for food stamps should contact USDA. The Department has established a toll-free number (800-221-5689) where people can get information about food stamp eligibility and benefits. 

“The 800 number is just a first step,” Watkins added. “We’re developing informational materials and public service announcements, and working with the news media and a series of public and private partners” to provide information to people who may be eligible. Material will also be available on the Internet.

“Food stamps provide extremely important nutritional support to ensure a healthful diet and to provide a safety net while families make the transition to self sufficiency,” Watkins said. “The bottom line is that they should be available to everyone who is eligible – and that is what this initiative is about.”

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