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Food Stamp Education and Food Stamp Education and Outreach ProgramOutreach Program
andandTexas’ New Integrated Texas’ New Integrated
Eligibility Enrollment SystemEligibility Enrollment System
The IssueThe Issue
Fewer people are participating in the Food Stamp Program
However, more people are relying on emergency food shelves to feed themselves and their families.
Many people who are eligible for food stamps are not participating in the program.
What is Food Stamp Education What is Food Stamp Education and Outreach all about?and Outreach all about?
An effort to inform service providers and
General low-income population including: elderly working poor families migrants, and households with immigrant members
• That help with buying food may be available to them through the Food Stamp Program.
Food Stamp Education and Food Stamp Education and Outreach Program: GoalOutreach Program: Goal
To get the word out about the program and to overcome the many incorrect myths that keep eligible individuals from applying for benefits.
Why should my organization Why should my organization get involved?get involved?
The Food Stamp Program is a nutrition assistance program that plays a vital role in helping low- income families purchase food.
The FSOEP brings Federal dollars into communities in the form of benefits where are redeemed by food stamp participants at local stores. These benefits community, State, and Nation.
For example, every $5 in new food stamp benefits generates $9.20 in total community spending.
Some of your guests may:Some of your guests may:
Not have enough to eat May be experiencing difficulties in making
ends meet for a number of reasons, such as:
- Job loss,- A job that pays low wages,- Divorce,- Loss of TANF benefits
Your guests can benefit from Your guests can benefit from the Food Stamp Programthe Food Stamp Program
Food buying resources that the FSP can provide.
Also, some of your guests may need help applying for benefits or may believe that they are not eligible because of misinformation.
Your OrganizationYour Organization
Can make a difference by helping your guest learn the true facts about this vital nutrition assistance program.
What can my organization do to What can my organization do to help ?help ?
Tell your low-income guests about the benefits of the Food Stamp Program.
Refer them to the Food Stamp Outreach Worker located at the North Texas Food Bank.
How does my organization How does my organization begin? begin?
Start by learning more about the Food Stamp Education and Outreach Program.
Services Provided by the Services Provided by the FSOEPFSOEP
Deliver presentations about Food Stamps followed by an opportunity to make private appointments for Application Assistance.
Address audiences/clients in their own language.
Take the application process to the people-Establishing application sites in the community.
Services Provided by the FSOEP Services Provided by the FSOEP (Cont.)(Cont.)
Provide general assistance in explaining the application process.
Assists with completing applications, gathering interview information, and providing pending/missing information.
Serve as pick- up and drop- off point for applications.
DOES NOT DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY
Pre-screening Pre-screening
Estimate eligibility and benefit amount
Materials to Distribute Materials to Distribute
FREE Of Charge brochures, flyers, posters.
How Do I Get Materials ?How Do I Get Materials ?
Contact: Tina- Marie SiglerFood Stamp Outreach
Worker
Email: [email protected]: (214) 330- 1396 ext. 265
Texas’ New Eligibility Texas’ New Eligibility Integrated Enrollment SystemIntegrated Enrollment System
Changes ahead for 2007Changes ahead for 2007
New Eligibility System will be implemented in Dallas County January 2007
Will allow Texans to apply for services in person at more than 200 state offices, through the Internet, over the phone and by fax or mail.
Look for more improvements in 2007.
Congressional Food Stamp Congressional Food Stamp Funding 2007Funding 2007
Currently under funded by $2.8 billion compared to 2006
Still time to contact your Senators to urge them to fully fund Food Stamps
Come by Advocacy table for more information.
Our Pledge to Our Community:Our Pledge to Our Community:
Increase participation among eligible people.
Promote nutrition assistance and work support
Overcome welfare stigma
Benefits with dignity and respect
Inform where and how to apply
