Food Stamps in Centre County
Since 1964, the U.S. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program has provided food stamps for low-income and no-income families.
Of Centre County’s 145,797 people, 5% of the population receives this nutritional aid – roughly 7,300 people.
In our county, 9% of African Americans, 5% of whites, and 11% of children receive food stamps.
In the past two years, Centre County food stamp usage has increased by 11%, following the general trend of increased usage. Of course, the tough economic times contribute to this rise.
The Bush Administration attempted to erase the negative stigma associated with food stamps by renaming them “nutritional aid.” This change in diction has yet to take full effect, but more people now apply for this aid without feeling as if they’ve surrendered their dignity.
Rather than actual paper “stamps,” the government now issues debit cards, which enable quick electronic transfer. In addition, the government has made the application process easier to ensure that deserving individuals aren’t discouraged by bureaucratic hurdles.
See our previous post on poverty in Centre County for more information, and check out the New York Times website for a topnotch infographic.
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Fundraiser Benefits Indian Orphans
Interested in food, music, and a good cause? Come to the HOINA Spaghetti Dinner tomorrow evening to satisfy these three interests and more.
The price of $7 includes dinner, dessert, and live instrumental music, ranging from a viola quartet to traditional Indian kirtans.
Homes of the Indian Nation (HOINA) is a nonprofit organization which runs an orphanage and school in Andhra Pradesh, India. All proceeds from the fundraiser will directly benefit the orphans themselves.
Learn more about the event after the jump.