Proposed budget changes removes commodities program

Funding for the Supplemental Food Commodities Program has been eliminated in President Bush's proposed 2007 budget.

However, seniors who receive supplements may be moved to the food-stamp program, should the budget pass in its current form.

"As it stands now, this is only a proposed budget," said Jenelle Gimlin, food distribution program chief for Nevada.

"With the (SFCP) program being cut they are adding measures into WIC and the food- stamp program so those who qualify for them can still receive assistance."

Gimlin said the Food Stamp program is available to people who are at or below a specific income level. She said the current caseload for those receiving supplemental food in Nevada is about 5,800.

Bush's 2006 budget allotted $5.5 billion for the WIC program and $33.1 billion for Food Stamps. The 2007 budget shows a slight decrease in WIC to $5.4 billion with an increase in Food Stamps to $37.9 billion. The fiscal year runs from October to September.

While the funds for low-income seniors are to be channeled to two other programs, the application process takes much more paperwork and interviews, which may deter many seniors who would qualify from applying, meaning some may not receive healthful supplements to their diet.

Gimlin said anyone who is not in agreement with Bush's budget proposal should call their representatives in Washington, D.C.

"We're hoping everyone concerned will contact their senator or congressman and let their concerns be known," Gimlin said.

"Bush budget makers see it (SFCP) as a duplication of services," said Janice Ayres, executive director of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program. "It's the same as those who receive food through WIC, the program for women, infants and children.

"They're trying to cut back and decided to cut that. Whether they will do it or not is not finalized."

The SFCP is administered by the United States Department of Agriculture. Food banks, faith-based and other community organizations like RSVP deliver the food in communities.

A primary benefit of the program is keeping low-income seniors healthy and living independently through proper nutrition.

Ninety percent of the participants in the program are low-income seniors, the other 10 percent are low-income mothers, infants and young children.

"The bottom line is, there are other programs out there - not that they replace - but are intended as supplementals helping to assist low-income seniors and WIC participants," Gimlin said.

What's happening

The federal 2007 Budget eliminates funding for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program which, in the limited areas where it is available, overlaps with two of the nation's largest federal nutrition assistance programs - food stamps and WIC.

Part of the budget change amends the food stamp program to enable low-income people to save for retirement even when they have an immediate need for food stamps. Currently, some retirement savings such as individual retirement accounts can disqualify a household from receiving food stamps. Under this proposal, the food stamp program would exclude all retirement savings in determining whether a household is eligible for food stamps.

WIC serves the nutritional needs of low-income pregnant and postpartum women, infants and children up to their fifth birthday.

The budget provides $5.4 billion for WIC services, full funding for all those estimated to be eligible and seeking services."

Eligibility

In the current program, households must sign the Daily Issuance Sheet certifying their household's annual income does not exceed 150 percent of the poverty guidelines. Guidelines are currently $13,965 for a single and $18,735 for a couple. No application or proof of income is required, only a picture ID/driver's license.

Who to call

U.S. Sen. Harry Reid

528 Hart Building

Washington, D.C. 20510

600 E. William St., Suite 302

Carson City, NV 89701

775-882-7343 (Carson City)

202-224-3542 (Washington)

Toll free for Nevadans: 1-866-SEN-REID (736-7343)

On the Net: reid.senate.gov

U.S. Sen. John Ensign

364 Russell Building

Washington, D.C. 20510

600 E. William St., Suite 304

Carson City, NV 89701

775-885-9111 (Carson City)

202-224-6244 (Washington)

Toll free: 877-894-7711

On the Net: ensign.senate.gov (includes Spanish version)

U.S. Rep. Jim Gibbons

100 Cannon Building

Washington, D.C. 20515

202-225-6155 (Washington)

400 S. Virginia St., Suite 502

Reno, NV 89501

775-686-5760 (Reno)

On the Net: www.house.gov/gibbons

U.S. Rep. Shelley Berkley

439 Cannon Building

Washington, D.C. 20515

202-225-5965 (Washington)

Toll free: 877-409-2488

2340 Paseo del Prado, Suite D106

Las Vegas, NV 89102

(702) 220-9823 (Las Vegas)

On the Net: www.house.gov/berkley

U.S. Rep. Jon Porter

218 Cannon Building

Washington, D.C. 20515

202-225-3252 (Washington)

2501 North Green Valley Parkway

Henderson, NV 89014

702-387-4941 (Henderson)

On the Net: www.house.gov/porter

• Contact Rhonda Costa-Landers at rcosta-landers@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1223.