Food Security: The Federal Safety Net Mable Everette, DrPH, RD,FADA

EMPHASIS Educational Resources Federal Food Programs Advocacy

Food Insecurity and Hunger A series questions on the California Health Interview Survey(2003) were used to define food insecurity and hunger.Three(3) of these are included on the following slides.

Food Insecurity and Hunger The food that (I/we) bought just did not last, and (I/ we) did not have money to get more. (a) often true (b) sometimes true (c) never true

Food Insecurity and Hunger I/we could not afford to eat balanced meals (a) often true (b) sometimes true (c) never true

Food Insecurity and Hunger In the past 12 months, were you hungry but did not eat because you could not afford enough food? (a) Yes (b) No

Vulnerable Populations The prevalence of food insecurity and hunger in California among vulnerable adult groups below 200% Poverty, California,2003. Pregnant women (aged yrs.) HH=households w/children SHH=single-headed household w/children

Vulnerable Populations % Food Insecurity and Hunger, CA,2003

Vulnerable Populations Pregnant women-reported food insecurity=40.7%;hunger =16.1% Households w/children reported food insecurity =38.3%; hunger =10.9% Single-headed households w/children reported food insecurity=40.6%; hunger=14.8% UCLA Health Policy Research Brief, June 2005

Resources UC Cooperative Extension Nutrition, Family and Consumer Sciences Programs are offered to help low-income families acquire the knowledge and skills to make the necessary changes to improve their diets through good nutrition. (see information in conference packet)

Resources American Dietetic Association Registered Dietitian (RD) RDs are health care professionals who provide medical nutrition therapy and nutrition counseling.

American Dietetic Association Registered Dietitians : Minimum of bachelors degree Completion of an accredited training program in nutrition Certification Requirement (Examination) Continuing Education Requirement

Local Registered Dietitians To find a Registered Dietitian in your area go to “Find Nutrition Professional” section of ADA’s web site Or call x 5000

Nutrition Education Stretching Your $$$$$ To make the most of your food dollar, you need to: Be aware of the foods your family is eating now Know how much you are spending on food.

Nutrition Education Here are some tips to help when you shop for food: Make a shopping list and follow it. Compare stores. Discount food stores and national chains usually offer better prices. Use local Farmers’ Markets in your area Shop alone and only once a week. Don’t shop when you’re hungry.

Nutrition Education Take time to: plan meals, plan a shopping list, and plan a food budget!! Source: Eating Healthy With Food Stamps

Acknowledgement California Food Policy Advocates Statewide nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve the health and well- being of low-income Californians by improving their access to nutritious and affordable food

Acknowledgement California Hunger Action Coalition CA Legislative Priorities for 2007 include: 1.Increase Food Stamp participation to improve the nutrition of low-income Californians. 2. Fund programs and partnerships to increase healthy food access for low-income Californians. Los Angeles area |web address |hungeractionla. org

Federal Food Safety Net In reviewing the food programs, there is the need to focus on the underutilization: identify ‘barriers’ propose solutions to increase utilization implement /follow through with the proposed solutions for clients and the community.

Expanding Food for the Family School Meals Programs includes breakfast and lunch - Breakfast (current status). % eligible not served=44.9% in L.A County ( )

Expanding Food for the Family “Emergency Food Assistance” Middleman between donors and hunger – relief agencies Provide limited amount of food for a short term Availability of nutritious food may be limited

Emergency Food Assistance Which time of year is busiest for emergency food banks and shelters? Late Spring when schools let out for the summer, children no longer have assess to the school breakfast and lunch.

Expanding Food for the Family Year Round Food Programs for Kids Known as the “Summer Food Program” Free and reduced priced meals and snacks available at schools, recreation programs, non-profit agencies % eligible not served=71% in LA County (

Expanding Food for the Family Food Stamps % eligible not served=47% in LA County ( ) Debit card can be used at participating food stores Debit Cards can be used by homeless, the elderly, or disabled at participating restaurants

Food Stamps Applications can be available at: Department of Social Services Schools Community Centers WIC Offices

Expanding Food for the Family Child Care Food Programs Children up to age 12 in daycare settings & Adult Food Programs- Impaired adults % eligible not served =44.9% in LA County ( )

Expanding Food for the Family Women Infant and Children Program (WIC) Low income women & children up to age 5. Vouchers for specific foods; nutrition education; and health care referrals % eligible not served=3.9% in LA County ( )

What is advocacy ? “Advocacy just means ‘speaking up’ Making government work for you and your community Influencing and shaping public policy Issues not politics” Matt Sharp, California Food Policy Advocates

Thank You