- 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…”
Tag: Electronic benefit transfers (EBT)
Electronic Benefit Transactions – Oregon
Some Oregonians receiving government assistance are cashing out at casinos, bars and strip clubs, By Michelle Cole, April 29, 2012, The Oregonian: “Oregonians who received assistance from the state to help pay rent, put gas in the car and feed their children withdrew some of that cash last year in casinos, liquor stores and strip clubs. State government disperses about $16 million a month to low-income families through its ‘Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program.’ Only the poorest qualify for the money, which is dispersed through electronic ‘Oregon Trail’ cards that work like debit cards. More than 600,000 transaction records covering July 2011 through December and released by the state Department of Human Services show that most people used those cards at supermarkets, discount stores and gas stations. But an analysis by The Oregonian also finds that the cards were used to withdraw cash or make purchases at casinos, bars, liquor stores and other venues that don’t appear to meet the government’s goal of helping struggling families…”
Cash Assistance Program – Pakistan
In Pakistan, welfare scheme shows signs of success, By Chris Brummitt (AP), April 17, 2012, Albany Times Union: “Clutching photocopied ID cards in bony fingers, a roomful of Pakistan’s poorest women sit on gray plastic chairs and wait in silence for something many have never experienced: a little bit of help from the government. It comes in the form of a debit card that is topped up with the equivalent of $30 every three months, enough to put an extra daily meal on the table, buy a school uniform or pay for medical treatment in a country where soaring food and fuel costs are hurting millions who already live hand-to-mouth. The program is something of a success story for a government widely seen as corrupt and inefficient, as well as for international donors that help implement and fund it. But the very need for the scheme highlights the poverty stalking a country whose stability is seen as key to the fight against Islamist extremism…”