Tag: food assistance
JeffCo Commission Again Stalls Food Assistance Funding for Questions
Sheila Tyson took another swing Thursday at getting federal funding to three organizations with sights set on feeding people.
Once again, her swing came up empty as her fellow Jefferson County commissioners couldn’t agree unanimously to bring the matter up as new business during their morning meeting.
Tyson admitted after the meeting that she held little hope that the matter would come up for discussion and possibly a vote.
“No, I did not,” she said, recounting that she talked to her fellow commissioners before the meeting. Read more.
Food Program Funds Delayed by JeffCo Commission Questions
Jefferson County Commissioners on Tuesday put the brakes on doling out federal money to COVID-prompted food programs.
The agenda for the commission’s committee meeting had three entities that were being considered for awards of American Rescue Plan Act funds. Some commissioners said they wanted more information on how and where each organization is distributing food and their policies for doing so.
Sheila Tyson cast the lone “no” vote. “So let me get a full understanding,” Tyson said. “We’re getting ready to pull these off of the agenda, these programs that will be feeding hungry senior citizens, for our lack of understanding?” Read more.
New Grocery Delivery Program Aims to Curb Senior Hunger
Alabama ranks poorly when it comes to food insecurity among seniors. In Jefferson County alone, more than 129,000 older adults struggle with hunger. A new grocery delivery program through the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama aims to improve seniors’ access to healthy food.
Under the program, eligible seniors will receive 30 pounds of dry goods, canned fruits and vegetables, and fresh cheese delivered to their homes each month. The program is aimed at seniors who can’t afford to buy groceries or who live in areas where it’s difficult to find healthy food. Jamie McLynn, director of partnerships at the food bank, says seniors often have to make tough decisions. Read more.
Proposed Food Stamp Changes Would Cut Some Alabamians Out of the Program
State welfare officials say they do not know the number of food stamp recipients in Alabama who would be affected by President Donald Trump’s proposed federal rule change that nationally would cut some 3 million recipients from the program.
There are 716,989 food stamp recipients in the state, including 67,318 people age 60 and above with no earned income.
Trump wants the rule change in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, called SNAP but often known by its old name, food stamps. He says a loophole lets states give benefits to those who would otherwise be ineligible.
Forty states, including Alabama, and the District of Columbia use the option. Read more.
