Illinois Valley News, Cave Junction, Ore. Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Food stamps reductions take effect
By
Annette McGee Rasch
IVN Contributing Writer
Food benefits for all Supplemental Nutri-
tion Assistance Program (SNAP) participants
were reduced November 1. The amount of re-
duction depends on individual household sizes.
Households comprised of one single per-
son, with zero income, currently receiving a
benefit amount of $200, will see an $11 reduc-
tion. Households with four people, also in the
zero income category and currently receiving a
benefit amount of $668, will see their food ben-
efits reduced by $36 a month.
Others with some monthly income but
still receiving SNAP benefits will also experi-
ence slight reductions. People can contact the
Illinois Valley Family Coalition with questions
or concerns.
The reason for this reduction in benefits
is because the American Recovery and Rein-
vestment Act (ARRA) expired in October. The
ARRA was adopted in 2009 to help people get
through the worst of the economic recession ex-
perienced nation-wide.
The law was designed to provide a tem-
porary increase in food benefits as part of a
“stimulus package” that had been designed to
encourage economic activity during the reces-
sion.
SNAP, a federal program, offers nutrition
assistance to millions of eligible, low-income
individuals and families and provides economic
benefits to communities across the nation. The
program is designed as a “supplement” and is
intended to meet all of the food needs of an in-
dividual or household.
Out of a population of 18,000 in the Val-
ley, about 3,300 individuals are enrolled in the
SNAP program, though this number does not
reflect family size and the actual number of Val-
ley residents receiving benefits is much higher.
Oregon’s population is about 3.9 mil-
lion people. Currently, 808,244 Oregonians in
443,501 households receive food benefits. The
average monthly benefit is around $235 per
household.
The total population of the United States
is about 314 million people. In 2012, accord-
ing to federal statistics, about $74.6 billion in
food assistance was distributed to 47.7 million
Americans who received an average of $134.29
in SNAP benefits per month.
On a local level, in addition to the SNAP
program, there are other private resources to
help folks tackle tough times on a full belly.
Anyone going hungry should call or stop by the
IV Family Coalition to get a list of local food
banks that serve the area.
“There are people out there who are new
to needing assistance as a result of these rough
economic times and we can guide them through
the process,” said Carol Ronan, the Family Co-
alition’s executive director. “Hopefully people
will take advantage of available programs to
help get them through what might be a difficult
period in their lives.”
“If people are in need and don’t know
where to go, we really want them to contact
the coalition,” Ronan added. “We match folks
up with any number of available resources and
also have access to programs across the state
to help people find solutions for their particular
situations. We’re here to help.”
The Family Coalition also offers programs
to help those who’ve found themselves unem-
ployed get back on their feet, including help
with resumes, job searching skills and computer
access to employment centers that feature lists
of open jobs. Those who lack computers — or
computer skills — should not be put off, as the
coalition provides computers to help people
with job hunting and also helps folks beef up
their computer skills.
“The Illinois Valley Safe House Alliance
is also now housed in our building, so anyone
experiencing domestic abuse can get help here
for that as well,” Ronan added. “We also of-
fer mental health counseling for children and
adults as well as drug and alcohol recovery ser-
vices. We’re located in a complex with Head
Start next-door and we’re right across from the
Senior Center.”
The IV Family Coalition is located at 535
East River Street. Call the coalition at 541-592-
6139.
(Photo by Dale Sandberg, IVFD Media Dept)
A single vehicle roll-over occurred early Monday Nov. 11 near Selma. One per-
son was transported to Three Rivers Hospital by A.M.R.
PUBLIC NOTICE
The Illinois Valley Fire District Board of Directors will hold a regular meeting at
7:00 pm at the Administration Building, 681 Caves Hwy., Cave Junction, OR, on
November 14, 2013. The Board meeting agenda will include updates on the Annual Audit in
progress, banquet committee and a brief presentation from the proposed company regarding
District collections. Additionally, there may be other matters that may be presented to the Board
for review or determination. The public is encouraged to attend this meeting. (The meeting loca-
tion is accessible to persons with disabilities.) (The Board reserves the right to hold an executive
session at this meeting under the authority of ORS 192.660.) (Any comments or concerns must
be submitted in writing.) Publish: November 6 & 13, 2013
PUBLIC NOTICE
Kerby Water District will hold its monthly board meeting Wednesday, November
20, 2013 6 p.m. at the Kerby Belt Building, 24353 RWH in Kerby. The agenda will
include, but is not limited to, general business and monthly financial reports. General
public is welcome.
Free Medicare Seminar
At IV Senior Center, 520 E. River Road
On Friday, November 15 th at 10 am
We will be addressing
Medicare Reform, how will this change your health care
requirements for HOSPITAL, DOCTOR, PRESCRIPTION needs
The following topics will be discussed:
HOME HEALTH CARE (CAN YOU
STAY AT HOME?)
MEDICARE (WHAT IT DOES AND
DOES NOT COVER)
AFFORDABLE CARE ACT
WHAT WILL YOU NEED TO PLAN
AHEAD?
WHAT ARE YOUR
INSURANCE OPTIONS?
WHAT HAPPENS IF YOUR
COVERAGE STOPS
The seminar will start at 10 am.
Any questions, please contact Kent Chidester 541.415.2770.
Sponsored by:
06-B006 Insurance Advertisement. Neither Bankers nor its agents
are connected with the Federal Medicare Program.
Page A-9