by Melissa Gonzalo – 12 News
More Arizona families are turning to food stamps during these tough economic times. The Department of Economic Security reports 27 percent more families are using food stamps this year. Despite the increase, however, it’s estimated one in three people who qualify still aren’t taking advantage of the help, and now there’s even more help available. The federal stimulus money has boosted food stamp amounts. For example, now a family of four receives an extra 80 bucks a month.
But many people still don’t know the help is available, or some don’t realize they qualify. Cecilia Gonzales uses food stamps to help her and her husband put food on the table for their family. She receives 144 dollars a month, based on her husband’s income for a household of three. She said it’s a huge help. “We always have our house stocked up,” said Gonzales. “We never have it low like we used to before.”
Local social workers say there are many myths surrounding people who use food stamps. “Many people think that people on food stamps are quote undeserving or are lazy and are not doing anything,” said Carol Stambaugh, Executive Director of the Arizona Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers. “The reality is it’s mainly the working poor, people who are maybe in low income jobs; they’re underemployed.”
Another stigma surrounding food stamps is the embarrassment of using them at grocery stores, but now people use what looks like a debit card, called an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card.
And it’s not just a handout. People must apply every three months. “They’re expected to either look for work, look for educational training, go to school, do something,” said Stambaugh. “It’s about self-sufficiency and moving people to be able to stand on their own.”
Gonzales is trying to finish her GED. “I don’t know want to be on assistance forever…I want to provide for myself and my kids,” said Gonzales.
Eligibility depends on income and how many people are in your household. For example, a family of four must earn less than 24 thousand dollars a year. To find out if you qualify, visit www.arizonaselfhelp.org.
http://www.azcentral.com/12news/news/articles/2009/04/08/20090408foodstamps04082009-CR.html
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