National LCLAA 2008 Membership Convention

14. Resolution: Increase Food Stamps for Seniors

WHEREAS;

Food costs have increased an average of five percent in 2008 according to the Food Research and Action Center

(FRAC) and FOOD costs continue to hike as other factors (like gas, natural disasters, etc.) escalate prices; and

WHEREAS;

The pantries of the average family hold less because there has been a 7.2 percent increases in the cost of food

items that comprise a typical diet for low income families; and

WHEREAS;

For the past ten years the basic grant for food stamps for seniors remain at an average of $ 10.00 per month

while food prices continue to soar; and

WHEREAS;

Senior citizens have increasingly become more vulnerable to hunger and inadequate nutrition as in Henderson

County, North Carolina where the elderly and disabled clients eligible have risen from 4,698 to 6,222 this year

alone; and

WHEREAS;

Senior citizens have increasingly become more vulnerable to hunger and poor nutrition because food pantries

and Meals-on-Wheels program have scaled back due to slack of funding; and

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED;

That LCLAA will work with a broad based coalition of organizations including advocacy groups to elected

officials and academics to advocate increases in the food stamp allotments minimums of no less than $100.00

per month for seniors through Congress that is parallel to the rising food costs.

Respectfully submitted by:

New York City LCLAA Chapter

Albany/Capital District Chapter

Westchester County LCLAA Chapter

REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE: CIVIL and HUMAND RIGHTS COMMITTEE

CONCURRENCE:________________________________________

NON-CONCURRENCE:___________________________________