Battling food insecurity and hunger

Dear Editor,

Life brings extra challenges for people who live with a disability. Putting food on the table should not be one of them. 

Disabled Americans rank among our most vulnerable populations, often burdened with enormous medical bills and mental and physical restrictions that make holding down a job difficult or impossible. Many of these people find themselves having to choose between paying their monthly bills and getting proper nutrition. 

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can help to eliminate that worry. SNAP helps stretch food dollars for low-income individuals and families. Monthly benefits are automatically deposited into participants’ accounts. Using a special debit card, participants can buy food from local stores and farmers’ markets. On a monthly basis, the program helps approximately 3 million people in New York State stretch their food budgets. 

Because SNAP dollars are spent locally, the program benefits all community members and the businesses that serve them. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, every $5 in new SNAP benefits generates as much as $9 in economic activity.  

Here in Tioga County, free SNAP application assistance is available through the Nutrition Outreach and Education Program (NOEP). NOEP Coordinators provide confidential, one-on-one help to anyone who wishes to apply for SNAP. Services are available in person or over the phone, or by arranging a home visit.

NOEP Coordinators provide free pre-screenings to determine potential SNAP eligibility, and to help applicants fill out the SNAP application and work to ensure it is processed correctly. 

If you or someone you know needs help putting food on the table, contact Kathi Latson, Tioga County NOEP coordinator, by calling (607) 687-6721, x1190.

Sincerely,

Kathi Latson 

Tioga County NOEP Coordinator

Family Enrichment Network

Owego, N.Y.

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