USDA to push access to farmers markets, By Meghann Meyers, May 11, 2012, Philadelphia Inquirer: “Farmers markets are a popular source of reasonably priced fresh produce, but across the country many accept only cash or checks – a big problem for low-income shoppers using food stamps. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is trying to change that. Â Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan this week announced a $4 million grant for states to help implement wireless technology that will allow more farmers markets to accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, or food stamps. Markets need wireless Internet or land-line connections in order to accept payments from customers using government benefits, a system known as Electronic Benefits Transfer…”
Demand for food stamps down slightly in Tampa area, By Kevin Wiatrowski, May 14, 2012, Tampa Tribune: “The demand for food stamps has begun to slow in the Tampa area and statewide, but millions of Floridians still need help feeding themselves and their children. That’s according to the most recent accounting by the state Department of Children and Families, which tracks enrollment in aid programs such a food stamps, cash welfare and Medicaid. DCF spokeswoman Erin Gillespie said the flattening out of food stamp demand mirrors the slow improvement in the state’s employment numbers, which fell to 9 percent last month…”
Cuts will close some Head Start programs, say advocates, By Christopher Cousins, May 14, 2012, Maine Sun Journal: “Proposed cuts the Legislature will consider next week to funding for Head Start and day care voucher programs are prompting educators to sound the alarm that the cuts will affect not only the children and families involved, but Maine’s economy as a whole. A supplemental budget bill passed Thursday by Republicans on the Legislature’s Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee restores some funding that Gov. Paul LePage proposed to eliminate altogether, but experts say the reduced funding will have severe detrimental effects. Targeted for cuts are the Head Start program, child care subsidies for parents who are either working or continuing their education and funding for home visits for children in low-income families…”
GOP plan cuts health benefits for at least 21,500, By Susan M. Cover, May 11, 2012, Kennebec Journal: “Republicans are proposing state budget cuts that would eliminate MaineCare for more than 20,000 people, end prescription drug benefits for about 1,500 elderly Mainers and reduce state funding for Head Start and other programs. Republican and Democrat legislators parted ways Thursday on a budget that highlights the stark philosophical differences between the parties and is raising tension in an election year. Democrats say Republicans are underestimating the extent of the proposed cuts, based on estimates they have from advocates. Republicans say agencies that receive state funds can cut administrative costs, rather than hurting children and elderly Mainers who benefit from the programs…”
