The State Food Assistance Program is a vital resource for 14,000 Washington residents who do not qualify for federal food stamps. These individuals comprise 1.4% of the one million plus people in our state currently receiving food assistance through Basic Food. This vital nutritional safety net is second only to Unemployment Insurance as the most effect counter-recessionary tool we have in times of lingering economic slowdown, like the present time.
The Governor has proposed eliminating funding for this program in her Supplemental and Biennial Budget proposals. Program elimination will affect a total of 31,000 people living in households that currently receive state food assistance benefits. One-half of these people are children. Loss of a critical part of family resources for food means a rise in food insecurity and childhood hunger.
We strongly urge the legislature to save the State Food Assistance Program in its current form.
The program piggy-backs on the federal Basic Food (food stamp) Program which is delivered through DSHS Community Service Offices. Administrative costs are low -- only 2% of the total program administration in these offices.
Benefits are spent in community grocery stores. USDA has found that for each $5 of benefits spent, a total of $9 of economic activity is generate in the community.
Retaining the current program structure is a key priority. While benefits may be reduced due to the state's revenue shortfall, retention of the program would allow restoration of benefits in future years.
The Governor has proposed investing part of the funds saved from eliminating the program in February 2011 in a $3 billion increase in funding to community food banks for the remainder of this biennium and a $15 million increase in funding for food banks next biennium. Food banks are an excellent resource for hungry families in Washington; the current state investment provides cost-effective food assistance in all areas of the state.
However, the State Food Assistance Program is a well-targeted and effective program with a cost-effective administrative structure. Recipients of the program live primarily in King, Snohomish and Pierce Counties. Loss of the program will have a particular impact there AND at the local grocery stores frequently by recipients.
In conclusion, we urge the legislature to quickly affirm that the State Food Assistance Program structure should be retained in the Supplemental and Biennial budgets.
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