Maryland Hunger Solutions Newsletter
December 19 , 2008
NEW RELEASES AND TOP STORIES:
Economic Recovery Package- Nutrition Investments
No Maryland House members have signed on to a letter asking for approximately $26 billion for anti-hunger programs in the Economic Recovery Package. The deadline for sign-ons is close of business December 19, 2008. Click here to view the letter and latest list of signers (pdf).
Institute of Medicine Releases School Meals Report
The Institute of Medicine (IOM) released Nutrition Standards and Meal Requirements for National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs: Phase I, Proposed Approaches for Recommending Revisions, a technical report that the committee plans to use to redesign the meal pattern and nutrition standards for school meals. Visit the IOM site for more information on the report and the opportunities for comment.
Sign-On to the Child Nutrition Forum's Statement of Principles
In preparation for the reauthorization of the child nutrition and WIC programs, a diverse group of national organizations representing anti-hunger, religious, education, medical, nutrition, direct service, school food, pre-school and child care, unions, children, after school, industry, agriculture and a host of others have joined together in support of a "Statement of Principles" to guide our reauthorization efforts. To reinforce our message for reauthorization, we are urging thousands of national, state and local organizations to join our efforts and sign the statement. To that end, we urge you to widely circulate these principles among your grassroots networks to demonstrate the broadest support to expand and improve investments in these critical programs that provide our children with a strong nutrition safety net. Click here to view and sign the Child Nutrition Forum's Statement of Principles.
Summary of Child Nutrition Reauthorization Listening Sessions
USDA held a series of listening sessions in seven sites this summer, including Baltimore City. View a summary of the comments.
Maryland Food Supplement Program Grows at Tremendous Rate: County Data - October 2008
In October 2008 food supplement participation at 402,892 persons was up over the month by 13,594 people (3.5 percent increase) and over the prior October 2007 by 60,797 people (17.8 percent increase). Maryland's participation in the Food Supplement Program continues to grow tremendously. In October 2008 the largest increase in people participating in the Food Supplement Program in Maryland over the last year took place in Prince George's, Anne Arundel, Queen Anne's, Howard, and St. Mary Counties.
Note:
As of October 1st, the name of the Food Stamp Program for Maryland has been changed to the Food Supplement Program due to the implementation of the 2008 Farm Bill. The name is not the only change to take effect. Other program improvements include increasing the minimum benefit and standard deduction, eliminating the cap on the dependent care deduction and excluding education and retirement accounts from countable resources. Download a summary on what the 2008 Farm Bill means for Maryland (pdf).
AROUND THE STATE:
During these tough economic times, the priorities of alleviating hunger and increasing nutrition become all the more critical. Thus, Maryland Hunger Solutions invites all of our partners across the state to share their best practices; we will be sure to include them in future newsletters. We can also come to you or your organization to talk about hunger and the federal nutrition programs. Please email info@mdhungersolutions.org with your thoughts, requests and ideas.
Governor Martin O'Malley Announces the Partnership to End Childhood Hunger
On November 24, 2008, Maryland Hunger Solutions joined Governor Martin O'Malley as he announced a plan to end childhood hunger in Maryland. "More than 184,000 kids in Maryland don't have ready or reliable access to the food they need to lead healthy, active lives," said Governor O'Malley. "That's inexcusable. I want Maryland to be the first state to end childhood hunger, and I'm confident that this Partnership will help us achieve this goal." Press releases: Governor Martin O'Malley, Share Our Strength. Article: Maryland Targets Childhood Hunger (WJZ, November 24, 2008).
Maryland Launches Website to Help Families During Tough Economic Times
Maryland has launched a new website - www.problemsolver.maryland.gov - designed to be a one-stop shopping resource for families in need of economic assistance. Marylanders can use the site to find information on a range of services from heating and energy assistance, to employment assistance - including job training and unemployment services - to services for seniors and those living with disabilities. The webpage also provides a link to an assistance eligibility calculator, which helps Marylanders determine what services they may qualify for, such as the food supplement program, the Temporary Cash Assistance program, the Maryland Energy Assistance Program, and the Electric Universal Service Program, among others.
Food Buying Cooperatives
Food buying cooperatives may be an option to help food supplement participants stretch food budgets in a landscape of a rough economy and rising food costs. Food buying cooperatives distribute low-cost, high-value food packages often at lower prices than super markets because food is purchased in bulk. Food choices change each month but usually include variety boxes with meat and produce, sides and dessert. Healthy and nutritious recipes are often provided to help make the most out of the food in the box each month. Visit USDA's site for more information regarding food buying cooperatives . Visit the SHARE Food Network for an example of a food buying cooperative helping families stretch their family's food budget further.
