Why are pediatricians talking about tax policy?

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), a refundable tax credit that subsidizes low-wage workers' incomes. But why, you might ask, are pediatricians and child health researchers interested in tax policy?  While the EITC's success at spurring economic mobility among low-income families is widely known, the EITC is also linked to improvements in children's health. So the real questions is - how can the EITC work even better to reduce families' economic hardships and improve children's health? Read more to find out. Source:

Children's HealthWatch

Approximately 1 Million Unemployed Childless Adults Will Lose SNAP Benefits in 2016

As State Waivers Expire, Affected Individuals Are Very Poor; Few Qualify for Other Help

Roughly 1 million of the nation's poorest people will be cut off SNAP over the course of 2016, due to the return in many areas of a three-month limit on SNAP benefits for unemployed adults aged 18-50 who aren't disabled or raising minor children. These individuals will lose their SNAP benefits after three months regardless of how hard they are looking for work.Read more.

SNAP Chart Book: SNAP Helps Struggling Families Put Food on the Table

 

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a Washington D.C.-based public policy think tank, released a SNAP chart book which highlights some key characteristics of the more than 46 million people using the program as well as trends and data on program administration and use. View the Chart Book.

Don't forget the movie tomorrow evening!

Gearing up for Summer and Developing your Outreach Plan

Summer Meals Matter Conference Call

It might be the height of winter, but February is a prime time to plan for summer, establish your outreach strategy and develop ways to increase the visibility of your summer nutrition programs. Work with schools, advocates, summer program providers and other partners to develop a marketing plan that can increase the visibility of the program and build participation. We will discuss what sponsors and advocates can be doing in February to ensure smooth program operations. You will also hear about effective methods and resources that advocates and program providers use to promote the program and reach the children who will benefit most from summer meals.

February 12, 2015
1:00 pm eastern 

Register here

" SNAP in NYS" Guide

 

Hunger Solutions New York has released the online version of the 2014-2015 edition of the "Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in New York State: An Eligibility Prescreening Guide," which is an in-depth guide designed to help community organizations and individuals determine potential SNAP eligibility for households in NYS.  

The SNAP prescreening guide includes information on allowed medical expenses and deductions, the application process, necessary information and documentation, work requirements, the interview process, and calculating a budget.

Some reflections on my one month anniversary

Since my first full day at GardenShare was January 5, today is my one month anniversary!

In this first month, I've taken part in meetings of all of the committees of GardenShare, a Board of Directors retreat and regular meeting, participated in our annual Growing Community Social and helped present the Growing Community Award, and met a lot of people who are passionate about GardenShare's mission and work.

It's been tiring and exciting, frustrating and stimulating, overwhelming and filled with positive energy, all at once!

I got to revisit Foodshare last week for my official, public retirement party, and that experience only confirmed for me that I have made the right decision.

While I may have had moments of exhaustion or frustration this past month, I have also been inspired by people's passion for this work.  While I recognize the challenges that GardenShare faces, I see tremendous opportunity and untapped potential.  And while I love the North Country with all my heart, when I look around, I can't help but see the needs in this region.

Thank you for being there with GardenShare.  Thank you for inspiring me with your support.

Together, we are making a difference.  And I look forward to working with you and doing even more in the coming months and years.

Gloria