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Greg Bolt, The Register-Guard
EUGENE, Oregon (July 28, 2005) -- A new report shows that more Oregonians are taking part in the federal food stamp program, evidence that the state's economic recovery remains a work in progress.
The report from the Oregon Food Bank, a nonprofit charity, shows that food stamp participation is up 8 percent over the two years ending last December, with more than 420,000 people receiving the aid each month. In Lane County, the number of people using food stamps grew just over 6 percent to 45,648.
Although the numbers indicate Oregon's economy still isn't producing enough jobs that pay enough to keep many working families fed, advocates said they're pleased that more people who are eligible for food stamps are using them.
"We know that when more families are eligible it means that more families are struggling to make ends meet," said Angela Martin, a spokeswoman for the food bank. "There's not a whole lot we can do at this point to change that, so what we can do is make the best of a bad situation, and food stamps helps us do that."
The Oregon Food Bank has been working closely with the state Department of Human Services to encourage people who need food stamps and qualify for the program to apply for the aid. Martin said that prior to 2000 Oregon had one of the lowest food stamp participation rates in the country.
It was about that time that a federal report showed that Oregon had the highest rate of hunger in the nation. That prompted the food bank to join the effort to increase the food stamp participation rate, which rose 70 percent over the next four years as the state dropped to eighth in the hunger rankings.
"We have food stamp participation to thank for part of our success at reducing hunger," Martin said.
In Lane County, 74 percent of the people eligible for food stamps are enrolled in the program, slightly below the state average of 76 percent. That means almost 16,000 county residents who qualify for the benefit do not participate.
The average monthly benefit in Lane County is $87 per participant. That provides about $1 per person per meal.
In Douglas County the participation rate is 89 percent, one of the highest in the state, and the average monthly benefit is $80. In Coos County the participation rate is 74 percent and the average monthly benefit is $79.
Martin said the food stamp program helps local economies by increasing spending at community grocery stores. A federal study found that $5 in food stamps generates almost $10 in economic activity, a figure food bank officials use to encourage people who qualify for the aid to sign up.
"Although Oregon remains a leader in the percentage of eligible people using the program, we know we're still leaving money in Washington, D.C.," said Ron Johnson, chairman of the Oregon Food Bank board of directors. "We encourage people who are eligible to use the program. They are not only helping themselves by doing so, they are helping Oregon's economy."
Oregonians currently receive $427.5 million in food stamp aid annually but could draw another $136 million if those who currently qualify but aren't enrolled in the program signed up. In Lane County, the annual value of food stamps is $47.5 million but could increase by $16.3 million if all eligible people enrolled.
The food bank released the report as Congress debates cuts in the federal program.
Contacts:
Greg Bolt, Higher Education Reporter, The Register-Guard
gbolt@guardnet.com
Laurie Trieger, FOOD for Lane County
(541) 343-2822
ltrieger@foodforlanecounty.org
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