News - Local News

POSTED: Sunday, Sep. 28, 2008

More families eligible for food stamps beginning Oct. 1

More families across Whatcom County will be eligible for state food stamps and free lunches at schools, thanks to new rules that take effect Wednesday, Oct. 1.

The income limits required to be part of Basic Food, Washington's food stamp program, are increasing, making it easier to qualify for the program. And children of families receiving food stamps are automatically eligible to receive free lunches at school, potentially saving families hundreds of dollars each year.

What are the new limits?

The household monthly income limit is being raised from 130 percent of the Federal Poverty Guideline to 200 percent. A year ago a family of four applying for food stamps could make only $2,230 or less each month to qualify. Starting Wednesday, a family of four can have a monthly income up to $3,534 and still receive assistance.

The amount of assistance each household receives will depend on how many other expenses there are, but the average monthly benefit families received in 2007 was $181.18, according to the state Department of Social and Health Services.

How many people will be affected?

Shawn Collins, outreach and development coordinator for the Opportunity Council, said tens of thousands of Washington residents who weren't eligible for Basic Food will be eligible under the new guidelines.

Basic Food also affects local farmers and grocery stores, Collins said. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service, every $5 in new food stamp revenue generates $9.20 in total community economic activity. Plus, now that the Bellingham Farmers Market accepts food stamps, families can buy fresh local produce and the local farmers receive the money.

How will the new requirements impact schools and students?

Schools likely will see an increase in the number of students eligible for the Free and Reduced Meal program, said Mark Dalton, food services manager for Bellingham School District.

Most school lunches around the county cost between $2.50 and $3. A family with two students buying hot lunch every day could save about $1,000 each year.

"It helps the student, number one, because they get food," Dalton said. "It helps families, number two, because the cost of buying food or supplying lunch yourself can be expensive."

Plus, depending on the school district, students in the Free and Reduced Meal program may be eligible for discounted ASB costs, sports fees and Boys & Girls Club memberships.

Another bonus is that school districts can receive additional federal funding if they have a high number of students in the free and reduced lunch program.

How many students around the county are part of the program?

It varies depending on the school and school district. For the 2007-08 school year, Bellingham and Lynden school districts had the smallest percentage, with about 32 percent of their student population in the program, according to the state Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. Mount Baker and Nooksack Valley school districts were at the high end with about 48 percent of students in the program.

How can people apply for Basic Food and the Free and Reduced Meal program?

To apply for Basic Food, do one of the following:

-- Fill out an application online at www.food.wa.gov.

-- Call (877) 514-3663 to request an application.

-- Apply in person at the Department of Social and Health Services office, 4101 Meridian St.

-- Contact Shawn Collins at the Opportunity Council at 734-5121, Ext. 233, or Shawn_Collins@oppco.org. He can assist with filling out the application and gathering the documents needed when applicants meet with a state worker for approval.

Applicants will be required to have an interview, but that can be done in person or over the phone.

To apply for the Free and Reduced Lunch program:

-- Pick up an application at your school's office. Remember, for families receiving food stamps, students are already enrolled in the Free and Reduced Meal program.