Food Bank of South Jersey Warns Food Stamp Cuts Hurt Local Businesses
While Washington continues its fight over the Farm Bill, Val Traore, CEO of the Food Bank of South Jersey, is calling attention to what she calls “the bilateral disaster of food stamp cuts.” Any reduction in food stamps, she points out, will impact hungry people in South Jersey (many of whom are school age children) as well as local businesses that accept food stamps.
Pennsauken, NJ, November 07, 2013 --(PR.com)-- While Washington continues its fight over the Farm Bill, Val Traore, CEO of the Food Bank of South Jersey, is calling attention to what she calls “the bilateral disaster of food stamp cuts.” Any reduction in food stamps, she points out, will impact hungry people in South Jersey (many of whom are school age children) as well as local businesses that accept food stamps. In the four counties served by the Food Bank of South Jersey (Burlington, Camden, Gloucester and Salem), there are almost 1,000 businesses who are SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as food stamps) retailers.
“South Jersey is a small, intimate community and when something this big happens, it has a ripple effect,” Traore explains. “You can’t affect the food supply of an estimated 18,000 people as well as the revenue for nearly 1,000 businesses, and not expect a nightmare ripple effect. And what affects local businesses will extend outward to the entire community.”
Traore has been active so far in getting the message out. She has met with representatives of the more than 200 food pantries who secure food from the Food Bank of South Jersey, and has called and written New Jersey’s representatives to Congress. Her message is unequivocal: the cuts in food stamps will certainly hurt the working poor. But the effect on the business community will almost inevitably follow. “So many stores – from supermarkets to corner grocers – get income from folks shopping with food stamps. Those businesses in turn support their local neighborhoods, schools, hospitals. Food stamps benefit everyone – and it’s to everyone’s advantage to keep the program healthy and strong.”
In New Jersey, one in 10 residents receives food stamp benefits. To supplement any anticipated cuts, the Food Bank will reach out to their supporters for an extra stretch gift of food and money to help with the anticipated increase in people coming to us for food and, adds Traore, “hope for the best.” And the South Jersey business community? “I’m in the business of feeding people so I can’t really advocate for them,’ says Traore. “But I hope our elected representatives speak up on their behalf. A vital business community is critical to everyone’s prosperity.”
For more information contact Chris Seabo, 856 662 4884, ext 127
Sources:
USDA 10/16/13 – list of NJ SNAP retailers
US Food Policy Council, 2010
Contact Chris Seabo (856) 662-4884 ext. 127
cseabo@foodbanksj.org
About the Food Bank of South Jersey
The Food Bank of South Jersey (FBSJ) is the leader in providing safe and nutritional food to people in need throughout South Jersey. FBSJ distributes food, provides nutrition education and cooking courses, and helps food insecure families and seniors find sustainable ways to improve their lives. To learn more visit www.foodbanksj.org
“South Jersey is a small, intimate community and when something this big happens, it has a ripple effect,” Traore explains. “You can’t affect the food supply of an estimated 18,000 people as well as the revenue for nearly 1,000 businesses, and not expect a nightmare ripple effect. And what affects local businesses will extend outward to the entire community.”
Traore has been active so far in getting the message out. She has met with representatives of the more than 200 food pantries who secure food from the Food Bank of South Jersey, and has called and written New Jersey’s representatives to Congress. Her message is unequivocal: the cuts in food stamps will certainly hurt the working poor. But the effect on the business community will almost inevitably follow. “So many stores – from supermarkets to corner grocers – get income from folks shopping with food stamps. Those businesses in turn support their local neighborhoods, schools, hospitals. Food stamps benefit everyone – and it’s to everyone’s advantage to keep the program healthy and strong.”
In New Jersey, one in 10 residents receives food stamp benefits. To supplement any anticipated cuts, the Food Bank will reach out to their supporters for an extra stretch gift of food and money to help with the anticipated increase in people coming to us for food and, adds Traore, “hope for the best.” And the South Jersey business community? “I’m in the business of feeding people so I can’t really advocate for them,’ says Traore. “But I hope our elected representatives speak up on their behalf. A vital business community is critical to everyone’s prosperity.”
For more information contact Chris Seabo, 856 662 4884, ext 127
Sources:
USDA 10/16/13 – list of NJ SNAP retailers
US Food Policy Council, 2010
Contact Chris Seabo (856) 662-4884 ext. 127
cseabo@foodbanksj.org
About the Food Bank of South Jersey
The Food Bank of South Jersey (FBSJ) is the leader in providing safe and nutritional food to people in need throughout South Jersey. FBSJ distributes food, provides nutrition education and cooking courses, and helps food insecure families and seniors find sustainable ways to improve their lives. To learn more visit www.foodbanksj.org
Contact
Food Bank of South Jersey
Chris Seabo
856-662-4884 ext. 127
www.foodbanksj.org
Chris Seabo
856-662-4884 ext. 127
www.foodbanksj.org
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