Applying for Food Help in Wisconsin Is Easier Now End Hunger AARP Bulletin
Applying for Food Help in Wisconsin Is Easier Now - End Hunger - AARP Bulletin Advocacy
FoodShare is Wisconsin's term for the federal , formerly known as food stamps. But only about one in eight older Wisconsinites who are eligible for food assistance actually receives it — a situation the state's food banks and AARP want to change. "Hunger is very much an issue for our members," said Jim Flaherty, communications director for . AARP Wisconsin has worked with the Hunger Task Force to spread its message and help find people who need assistance. Howell's food situation has stabilized, and she's always been a careful shopper and good cook. "I'm a firm believer in making things from scratch," she said. At Christmastime, she was able to buy flour and sugar to make cookies for her family. Hunger problems tend to get worse with age, said Sherrie Tussler, executive director of the Hunger Task Force. Typically, older people will try every other option than government assistance — meals at senior centers, eating with friends. "If you're skipping meals, you're probably eligible" for FoodShare, she said. A few hundred dollars a month from FoodShare to pay for food can make the difference so people have enough money to pay their rent or mortgage. The stamps or coupons of past years have been replaced by a debit card that users swipe at the grocery store. The entire FoodShare application process can be done online or over the phone at 1-800-362-3002. The screening process may also allow applicants to find out whether they are eligible for help with other needs such as medical expenses and home heating expenses. Next: "We explain that you never have to go to the agency, and we see a lot of wide eyes and some hugs," said Maureen Fitzgerald, of the Hunger Task Force. "It's empowering for people to do it themselves and manage it themselves. "More and more older Americans are using computers, and help is available for those who need it. Jennifer Baier, AARP Wisconsin senior program specialist, said that 43 percent of the state's members are online, and that number is expected to grow. Applying "feels a little like doing your income taxes," said Tussler, who helped her stepmother get into the program recently. "You're going to The average household benefit for older residents is $177 a month. FoodShare recipients may own a house and a car, and generally may have no more than $2,000 in liquid assets. Many people wait until they have nothing before they apply, but Tussler urges everyone to "save the $2,000 for when the car breaks down." Individuals with incomes of less than $1,806 or couples less than $2,430 a month are automatically eligible. People with depending on their expenses. The Hunger Task Force operates two self-serve centers in Milwaukee where people can use computers to apply for state aid. Staffers are on hand to help, if necessary. "So much help is available," Fitzgerald said. People on FoodShare are "not taking it away from anyone else," she said. "It saddens me that it's underused in the senior population." David Lewellen is a freelance writer and editor in Glendale, Wis. Cancel You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits. Your email address is now confirmed. You'll start receiving the latest news, benefits, events, and programs related to AARP's mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age. You can also by updating your account at anytime. You will be asked to register or log in. Cancel Offer Details Disclosures
End Hunger Applying for Food Help Is Easier Now
FoodShare can make a difference
Darren Hauck/Wonderful Machine AARP and the Hunger Task Force are trying to find older people like Ruth Howell, of Butler, who need food assistance. Howell, who is in her early 70s, didn’t think to ask for help. Ruth Howell has worked hard all her life. But when she was laid off from her office job in 2008, her didn't cover expenses, especially after her unemployment ran out. After taxes, insurance and the mortgage payment on her house in Butler, she was eating two meals a day — sometimes one. See also: For a long time, it didn't occur to her that she could get help. "A person does have pride," said Howell, who is in her early 70s. "And I didn't know where to go." But a TV news report on the for southeastern Wisconsin was her first step toward getting help. She signed up for the monthly delivery of nonperishable food. An official with , Wisconsin's leading anti-hunger organization, told her she was also eligible for home heating assistance and for the program.Related
FoodShare is Wisconsin's term for the federal , formerly known as food stamps. But only about one in eight older Wisconsinites who are eligible for food assistance actually receives it — a situation the state's food banks and AARP want to change. "Hunger is very much an issue for our members," said Jim Flaherty, communications director for . AARP Wisconsin has worked with the Hunger Task Force to spread its message and help find people who need assistance. Howell's food situation has stabilized, and she's always been a careful shopper and good cook. "I'm a firm believer in making things from scratch," she said. At Christmastime, she was able to buy flour and sugar to make cookies for her family. Hunger problems tend to get worse with age, said Sherrie Tussler, executive director of the Hunger Task Force. Typically, older people will try every other option than government assistance — meals at senior centers, eating with friends. "If you're skipping meals, you're probably eligible" for FoodShare, she said. A few hundred dollars a month from FoodShare to pay for food can make the difference so people have enough money to pay their rent or mortgage. The stamps or coupons of past years have been replaced by a debit card that users swipe at the grocery store. The entire FoodShare application process can be done online or over the phone at 1-800-362-3002. The screening process may also allow applicants to find out whether they are eligible for help with other needs such as medical expenses and home heating expenses. Next: "We explain that you never have to go to the agency, and we see a lot of wide eyes and some hugs," said Maureen Fitzgerald, of the Hunger Task Force. "It's empowering for people to do it themselves and manage it themselves. "More and more older Americans are using computers, and help is available for those who need it. Jennifer Baier, AARP Wisconsin senior program specialist, said that 43 percent of the state's members are online, and that number is expected to grow. Applying "feels a little like doing your income taxes," said Tussler, who helped her stepmother get into the program recently. "You're going to The average household benefit for older residents is $177 a month. FoodShare recipients may own a house and a car, and generally may have no more than $2,000 in liquid assets. Many people wait until they have nothing before they apply, but Tussler urges everyone to "save the $2,000 for when the car breaks down." Individuals with incomes of less than $1,806 or couples less than $2,430 a month are automatically eligible. People with depending on their expenses. The Hunger Task Force operates two self-serve centers in Milwaukee where people can use computers to apply for state aid. Staffers are on hand to help, if necessary. "So much help is available," Fitzgerald said. People on FoodShare are "not taking it away from anyone else," she said. "It saddens me that it's underused in the senior population." David Lewellen is a freelance writer and editor in Glendale, Wis. Cancel You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits. Your email address is now confirmed. You'll start receiving the latest news, benefits, events, and programs related to AARP's mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age. You can also by updating your account at anytime. You will be asked to register or log in. Cancel Offer Details Disclosures