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E-Newsletter )
September 2005
in this issue
  • Hurricane Katrina Delays Budget Process
  • Farm Bill Hearings: An Opportunity to Change Food Stamps
  • Community Food Security: How Does Your Town Compare?
  • New Study on Obesity Rates in Kids

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    		Hurricane Katrina Delays Budget Process
    Phone

    The Budget Reconciliation process has been postponed until mid-October and cuts to the Food Stamp Program are still on the table. The Food Stamp Program has been a life line for many affected by Katrina and future cuts to this needed program make little sense. However, federal legislation (Grassley/Baucus proposal) pending in the House will bring important medical benefits to those disaster victims and cash-strapped states affected by Katrina.

    It's essential that we contact our Congressional Representatives and Senators and let them know:

    1. DO NOT go ahead with budget reconciliation,
    2. Support the Grassley/Baucus Medicaid proposal.

    Call the Capitol Switchboard at 202-225-3121 to reach your Congressperson.

    		Farm Bill Hearings: An Opportunity to Change Food Stamps
    EBT

    Do you think the food stamp benefit is inadequate? How would you change the program to ease access and simplify eligibility? Now is the time to speak out and speak up on changes to the Food Stamp Program.

    On October 28, 2005 the USDA, Food and Nutrition Service is hosting a hearing in Boston, they want to hear from food stamp recipients, faith-based and community groups and others that have new ideas about ways to make the Food Stamp Program better.

    Staff from End Hunger Connecticut! will be attending the hearing, please call Sally Mancini at (860) 560- 2100 ext. 17 if you are interested in attending or have questions or comments about food stamps.

    		Community Food Security: How Does Your Town Compare?

    A joint report by the Connecticut Food Policy Council, UCONN and Hartford Food System examines all 169 towns in Connecticut and ranks them on accessibility to local food, farms and adequate nutrition. The report calls on the state to support public transportation options, increase access to public assistance programs, support farmland preservation and farmers' markets.

    		New Study on Obesity Rates in Kids
    School Lunch

    Not too long ago there was hype about school meals contributing to the obesity epidemic among our nation's kids. A new study conducted by the University of Maryland found that the lowest-income kids do not have higher obesity rates; it's actually the near poor kids, that may have a few extra dollars to spend on a school snack, that are the most at risk of being overweight.

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