Monterey, CA Food Stamp Program, Or CalFresh Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP), Is Once Again In Jeopardy

View From A Nonprofit Serving Carmel, Carmel Valley, Gonzalez, Greenfield, King City, Marina, Monterey, Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach, Salinas, Seaside And Soledad California

Congress is preparing for a showdown over food stamps, with many pushing for draconian cuts to the program and others suggesting that the program should be eliminated altogether.  Even without the legislation, those Americans that are on the program (called the CalFresh Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP)) will see a reduction in benefits in November due to the expiration of President Barack Obama's stimulus program.  Republicans are looking for sharp cuts.  Representative Stephen Fincher (Republican, Tenn.) told Congress, "The role of citizens, of Christianity, of humanity, is to take care of each other, not for Washington to steal from those in the country and give to others in the country."  In another speech, he said, "The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat."  The problem with this argument is that unemployment is still high, and baby boomers and senior citizens in particular are having a terrible time finding jobs.  And even the current SNAP program isn't doing enough to help all of the hungry people out there.  A survey by the Department of Agriculture which was released this month said that there were about 49 million Americans who don't have consistent access through the year to adequate food. 

http://www.calfresh.ca.gov/

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/05/us/as-debate-reopens-food-stamp-recipients-continue-to-squeeze.html?nl=todaysheadlines&emc=edit_th_20130905

About Richard Kuehn & Hands to Help Seniors:

After more than a decade of caregiving, both in a professional environment and for a 97 year old family member, it became clear to me that there are many seniors that can't afford to pay for a private duty caregiver, not to mention medical expenses, food and property taxes on their home.  I decided to form a non-profit to help seniors with any service they might need to get by, should they be unable to afford this themselves.  From putting on a new roof to providing a hot meal, Hands to Help Seniors is there to help.  Please visit my blog where I talk about important senior issues at:

http://www.h2hs.org/news-and-media.html

Please note that this blog reflects my personal opinion and may or may not reflect the opinion of Hands to Help Seniors and the individual members comprising the Board of Governors.