EBT Action Needed: Write a Letter to EBT Decision Makers
The switch from paper food stamp coupon to electronic benefits is a massive undertaking. Anti-hunger advocates can and should have a voice in making sure EBT works for all food stamp recipients. To help shape EBT in California, CFPA is asking advocates to:
Learn about EBT. Visit the Consumer's Union web site and the food stamp page at Legal Services of Northern California's web site to get background information on EBT. CFPA will soon have information on our EBT Farmer's Market Proposal available.
Write a letter. EBT decision makers need to know that advocates care about EBT and will be vigilant during its implementation. Please write them now to open up the process for further input and to ensure that steps are taken to see that EBT will not harm food stamp recipients, will reach farmer's markets, etc.
Write letters to:
Mr. Fred Schack California Department of Social Services Program Technology Bureau 744 P Street, MS 14-52 Sacramento, CA 95826
|
Ms. Chris Dunham Health & Welfare Data Center 8745 Folsom Blvd. Suite 100 Sacramento, CA 95814 |
The points to be made in the letter might include:
The
state should require that the bidder provide the same protections to EBT program
participants as the protections provided by the private banking system to consumers in the
event of a lost or stolen debit card.
At
least one ATM transaction needs to be included in the four free per month. Not including
ATM access sacrifices a key opportunity to use EBT to bring public assistance recipients
closer to the mainstream banking system.
Plans
for farmers' markets should be revealed before the contract is awarded.
A public hearing on the bid request should be held before the contract is awarded to allow program participants, service providers, and the public to suggest improvements to the proposed EBT system.