>New UCLA Data on Food Insecurity
>National Call-in Day on Food Stamps
June 11, 2007
UCLA and CFPA will release a new report on food insecurity in California tomorrow. This report, which uses data from the California Health Interview Survey (CHIS), finds that far too many low-income adults struggle to put food on the table. It also shows that far too many of those adults experiencing food insecurity are not getting food stamps. Please take action by circulating this new report and by participating in the National Farm Bill Nutrition Title Call-in Days (see below)
For CFPA's press page on this release, including a release for your county, click here.
from the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research
A statewide study from the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research, Food Security Among California’s Low-Income Adults Improves, but the Most Severely Affected Do Not Share in the Improvement, shows that the percentage of low-income adults in California living in food insecure households fell from 34 percent in 2003 to 30 percent in 2005.
However, while this shows progress in the past two years, improving economic conditions failed to bring the number of “food insecure” individuals back down to 2001 levels; the percentage of food insecure across California in 2005 remains above the 2001 level of 29 percent. Meanwhile, the data show no improvement for those that experience Very Low Food Security – a condition commonly known as hunger. Based on a survey of low-income adults, the report shows an estimated 2,486,000 adults statewide were identified as food insecure.
Because food security and adequate nutrition are vital to good health, this survey also captured important information about the health status of low-income Californians. Studies also suggest a link between food insecurity and increased risk of overweight and obesity. The study’s lead author, UCLA professor and researcher Dr. Gail Harrison, says, “Food insecurity is a persistent fact of life for too many poor individuals and families. The health consequences for families in California are severe.”
The report recommends several actions to reduce food insecurity and improve the health of Californians. Top among its suggestions are steps to increase the use of the Food Stamp Program. Although almost one in three low-income adults in California is food insecure, California’s participation in the Food Stamp Program is the lowest in the country. The State loses out on over $2 billion per year due to limited participation in this important nutrition assistance program.
The study’s authors urge state policymakers to adopt legislation to streamline the application process by closely linking food stamps to health insurance. One of the report’s co-authors, Matthew Sharp of California Food Policy Advocates notes, “No level of hunger is acceptable in the Golden State. Policymakers are debating the state budget blueprint right now. Their decisions should increase low-income Californians’ income and strengthen the nutrition safety net to reduce hunger.”
Local steps are underway to make sure families receive nutrition assistance. According to Sharp, “Increasing the number of people on Food Stamps should be a top priority. It would be a financial boon to grocers, growers, and workers, and put food on the plates of thousands of children and families. We encourage our Senators and Assembly Members to support measures that will reduce paperwork and increase participation in this important nutrition program.
Additionally, federal policymakers are urged to adopt changes in the farm bill to strengthen the power of the Food Stamp Program to reduce food insecurity and to improve Californians' health.”
Take Two Actions
Forward your county's press release (found here) to your local newspaper. To find your local newspaper on the web, click here.
2) Participate in the National Farm Bill-Nutrition Call in Day
As you can see in the pie chart from the UCLA report,
the Food Stamp Program must be improved. Congress has an
opportunity with the pending Farm Bill to improve access to program as
well as make the program's benefits more adequate. Visit CFPA's
farm bill action page for more details:
http://www.cfpa.net/2007FarmBill/2007farmbill.htm
This UCLA release (funded by our friends at Mazon: A Jewish Response to Hunger) comes at critical time. On Thursday the House Agriculture subcommittee that deals with nutrition will markup the nutrition portion of the bill, including food stamps. Calls to Congress are needed now.
Please participate in the national call-in Day sponsored by Food Research and Action Center. It is free and easy and very timely. Click here for all of the details.
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