Community Food Security - read the Hunger Commission's food access study and download free food access study materials including curriculum for nutrition education workshops.

Short Range Recommendations (continued)

Increase food-buying power within North Sacramento and Del Paso Heights

Since the implementation of welfare reform in 1996, many people have lost access to federal financial aid. As a consequence, the amount of food dollars available within the North Sacramento and Del Paso Heights area has dropped, which can substantially affect local markets that rely on those funds for their profits. In addition, lack of financial planning by families living on a tight budget can cause a crisis in the middle of the month when limited funds run out. The family often has to resort to emergency food to make it through until the next cash comes in, while local grocers see profits plummet the last ten days of the month.

Nutrition/Budgeting workshops

Work with EFNEP to establish some innovative education materials and to provide nutrition education and financial awareness workshops. Budgeting and nutritional education could keep people informed about ways to stretch their food dollars. Nutrition workshops will show how to use staple items such as dry rice and beans while financial awareness workshops will teach families basic skills such as how to get a bank account and how to create a family budget. These workshops will create a forum for residents to discuss effective food cost saving strategies as well as increasing their understanding and maintenance of a monthly budget which will help families to empower themselves and not rely on emergency food for part of their food resources.

Food Stamp/WIC Outreach

Increase outreach to all individuals and families who are eligible for food stamps and/or the Women, Infant and Children Program (WIC). Food stamp caseloads have decreased, but the number of people served by emergency food has not, indicating that some people may still be eligible for aid but unaware of their eligibility. Additionally to further outreach, local government, neighborhood associations, the non-profit sector and businesses can work together to encourage changes in food stamp legislation. For instance, some people may not be applying for food stamps they are eligible for simply because they are intimidated by the nine page application required to receive them. Business and residents should exercise their democratic rights to encourage change by calling and writing their political representatives and expressing their opinions. Local government, neighborhood associations and non-profits should work with individuals and families to help people get as much money as they are eligible for, reducing the need to rely on emergency food to make it through the month.

[Top]