SNAP Outreach to Seniors Jeff Greenfield Manager Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships

1. SNAP Outreach to Seniors Jeff Greenfield Manager Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships

2. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Formerly known as the Food Stamp Program Modern day program established in 1964 EBT became nationwide in 2004 Name changed in 2008 40.4 million participants (April 2010) FFY 2009 average HH benefit: $275 FFY 2008 participation rate: 67% 13 county vs. state administered programs Every $5 in redeemed benefits generates $9.20 in total economic activity SNAP is an entitlement-based nutrition assistance program aimed at supplementing the food budgets of low-income Americans. Eligibility is determined at the state or county-level based on household income and expenses. Many of the states in which the program is administered at the county level seem to consistently report participation rates below the national average. Formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, the program has undergone numerous changes in its six decade history. Most notably, benefits are now made available and redeemed via plastic electronic benefits transfer (EBT) cards. Benefits are used to purchase food items at nearly 200,000 food retailers, wholesalers, and farmers markets nationwide. Despite record high participation, approximately 14 – 17 million eligible people do not participate in the program. This, coupled with the fact that benefit redemption acts as an immediate economic stimulus to local economies, makes outreach crucial. SNAP is an entitlement-based nutrition assistance program aimed at supplementing the food budgets of low-income Americans. Eligibility is determined at the state or county-level based on household income and expenses. Many of the states in which the program is administered at the county level seem to consistently report participation rates below the national average. Formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, the program has undergone numerous changes in its six decade history. Most notably, benefits are now made available and redeemed via plastic electronic benefits transfer (EBT) cards. Benefits are used to purchase food items at nearly 200,000 food retailers, wholesalers, and farmers markets nationwide. Despite record high participation, approximately 14 – 17 million eligible people do not participate in the program. This, coupled with the fact that benefit redemption acts as an immediate economic stimulus to local economies, makes outreach crucial.

3. Seniors and SNAP 19% of Americans aged 60 or older are eligible Only one-third of eligible seniors participate Avg. HH benefit - with senior member: $94 Avg. HH size - with senior member: 1.3 people 6% of HHs with a senior member are food insecure Only 2% of HHs with a senior member use food pantries Nearly 1/5 of older Americans are eligible to receive SNAP benefits, yet only about 1/3 of those eligible participate in the program. There are numerous reasons for SNAP under-participation among seniors: myths pertaining to low benefit allotments, stigma, a difficult application and benefit redemption process, and a lack of awareness of eligibility. FNS and its partners have made increasing SNAP participation among the senior population a priority.Nearly 1/5 of older Americans are eligible to receive SNAP benefits, yet only about 1/3 of those eligible participate in the program. There are numerous reasons for SNAP under-participation among seniors: myths pertaining to low benefit allotments, stigma, a difficult application and benefit redemption process, and a lack of awareness of eligibility. FNS and its partners have made increasing SNAP participation among the senior population a priority.

4. SNAP Policy 2008 Farm Bill ARRA Outreach Grants Shared Consent Waivers State Options Federal Reimbursement Demonstration Authority According to Federal regulations, the Program must be reauthorized every 5 years. The most recent reauthorization occurred in 2008. The 2008 Farm Bill included many changes to the Program: name change, streamlined eligibility determination, improved application and recertification processes, and clarified eligibility requirements. The Stimulus Bill of 2009 increased the benefit allotment of nearly all recipients and made approximately $300 million available to counties and states struggling to process record caseloads. For its part, FNS has undertaken some creative approaches to increasing SNAP participation, especially among seniors: grant funding, increased approval of options, waivers and demonstration projects, and Federal reimbursement funds for outreach.According to Federal regulations, the Program must be reauthorized every 5 years. The most recent reauthorization occurred in 2008. The 2008 Farm Bill included many changes to the Program: name change, streamlined eligibility determination, improved application and recertification processes, and clarified eligibility requirements. The Stimulus Bill of 2009 increased the benefit allotment of nearly all recipients and made approximately $300 million available to counties and states struggling to process record caseloads. For its part, FNS has undertaken some creative approaches to increasing SNAP participation, especially among seniors: grant funding, increased approval of options, waivers and demonstration projects, and Federal reimbursement funds for outreach.

5. Existing Partnerships and Outreach Project Includes: Senior volunteers/Peer mentors/VISTAs Federal and Private funding Paid outreach staff Statewide outreach coverage with targeted approach based on need FFY 2007 Statistics: Participation rate: 65% Lost benefits: $30.4 million Lost economic activity: $55.9 million If the participation rate had reached just 70%: Gained benefits: $18.2 million Gained economic activity: $33.5 million One example of seemingly unlikely partners coming together to develop and implement a state outreach plan is currently being undertaken in Virginia. With a statewide participation rate of 65% and millions of dollars in potential benefits falling to the wayside, anti-hunger and senior advocates came together to address low participation among the senior population. Following guidance provided on the FNS website, these groups will draft and submit an outreach plan and budget for FFY 2011. Once approved by the FNS regional office, all approved outreach expenses taking place between October 1, 2010 and September 30, 2011 will be reimbursed at a rate of up to 50%. The reimbursement process will be agreed upon prior to plan submission and funds will be reimbursed based on regular invoicing. In this case, the nonprofit partners will act as Virginia’s subcontractors for an outreach agreement made between the Commonwealth of Virginia and FNS.One example of seemingly unlikely partners coming together to develop and implement a state outreach plan is currently being undertaken in Virginia. With a statewide participation rate of 65% and millions of dollars in potential benefits falling to the wayside, anti-hunger and senior advocates came together to address low participation among the senior population. Following guidance provided on the FNS website, these groups will draft and submit an outreach plan and budget for FFY 2011. Once approved by the FNS regional office, all approved outreach expenses taking place between October 1, 2010 and September 30, 2011 will be reimbursed at a rate of up to 50%. The reimbursement process will be agreed upon prior to plan submission and funds will be reimbursed based on regular invoicing. In this case, the nonprofit partners will act as Virginia’s subcontractors for an outreach agreement made between the Commonwealth of Virginia and FNS.

6. Other FNS Programs Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) Provides nutritious meals & snacks to child and adult day care centers Reimbursement rates similar to NSLP and NBP 1.9 billion meals served to 3.2 million participants Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) Provides food & administrative funds to 36 States and Indian tribal organizations Over 443,000 senior participants per month Average senior food package: $17.31 per month/person Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) Provides coupons to low-income seniors that can be used to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, and honey at authorized locations Authorized by Congress through 2012 Nearly 1 million participants in FFY 2008 FNS administers 15 nutrition programs. Listed here are several other beneficial programs that are currently experiencing lower than expected participation.FNS administers 15 nutrition programs. Listed here are several other beneficial programs that are currently experiencing lower than expected participation.

7. Questions? Jeff Greenfield Manager, Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships Office of Strategic Initiatives, Partnerships and Outreach USDA, Food and Nutrition Service 3101 Park Center Drive, Room 1441 Alexandria, VA 22302 703-605-4331 (o) 703-605-1937 (f) jeff.greenfield@fns.usda.gov