Monterey, CA Food Stamp (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) May Face Budget Cuts

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State and Federal budget cuts have hit myriad programs to help the needy and another cut may be on the way, this time to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.  Commonly known as the food stamp program, something of a misnomer now that all states have switched over to debit cards, about one in seven Americans now  rely on the program.  A 1,000 page so called "farm bill" which is currently working its way through the Senate calls for cutting $250 million per year in spending.  The number of beneficiaries has swelled in recent years, due in large part to the recession.  It has gone from 28 million participants to 46 million over the past four years, so it's no surprise it is in the cross hairs of government officials trying to balance the budget.  The Agriculture Department says the program has kept about 5 million people from sinking into poverty each year.  I've written before on my blog about great non-profit's like Dorothy's Place which are trying to help elderly seniors who are homeless survive.  I'm hopeful they can resolve their financial problems.  The number of seniors in financial need on the Monterey Peninsula seems to be increasing at a rapid rate.  Please click on the Donate button if you can support our cause.