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 increase 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 remains at an average of $10.00 per month, while food prices continue to soar; and

WHEREAS:
Senior citizens and the disabled have become increasingly 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 and the disabled have become increasingly more vulnerable to hunger and poor nutrition because food pantries and Meals-on-Wheels programs have scaled back due to less funding.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
That AFSCME will work with a broad-based coalition of organizations, including advocacy groups to elected officials and academics, to advocate increases in the food stamp allotment minimums of no less than $100.00 per month for seniors and the disabled through Congress, that are parallel to the rising food costs.
 
 
SUBMITTED BY: Gina Thomas, Recording Secretary and Delegate
AFSCME Local 215, Council 1707
New York