Maryland Hunger Solutions Newsletter
September 18, 2008
TOP STORIES:
A Snapshot from the 2007 Census Data on Poverty and Income
Maryland has the highest median income, but poverty is growing across the state. Both the poverty rate for all Marylanders and the poverty rate for Maryland's children increased in 2007. More information is available on the MDHS Web site.
Maryland Food Stamp Program Participation: County Level Data - July 2008
In July 2008 food stamp participation at 371,682 persons was up over the month by 5,098 people (1.4 percent) and over the prior July 2007 by 47,462 people (14.6 percent). Over the past five years the Food Stamp Program has grown over 43 percent in Maryland.
At a time when more than 35 million people in the U.S. face a constant struggle against hunger, continuing to strengthen the reach of the Food Stamp Program is vital. Most recently, the weak economy and food price inflation are taking a toll on low-income households. The purchasing power of food stamp allotments is not keeping pace with food inflation. According to the regional Bureau of Labor Statistics press release (http://www.bls.gov/ro3/cpiwb.htm), the cost of food at home rose by 6.7 percent from August 2007 to August 2008 in the Washington/Baltimore metro area. Nationally, it rose by 7.5 percent over the same time period.
In July 2008 the largest increase in people participating in the Food Stamp Program in Maryland over the last year took place in Anne Arundel, Howard, Prince George's, Queen Anne's, and Charles Counties.
Reminder. . .
USDA is seeking comments for use in preparing for the 2009 Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization. The reauthorization process provides Congress with an opportunity to examine the operation and effectiveness of the Federal nutrition assistance programs, and to consider making improvements to their structure. These programs include WIC, National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Child and Adult Care Food Program, Summer Food Service Program, WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program, Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, and Special Milk Program. Please take the time to provide your thoughts on how these programs can best be improved.
You must submit written comments to USDA by October 15, 2008. Comments can be emailed, faxed, mailed, or hand delivered. For more information, visit the FRAC Web site.
