Hunger Still An Issue As Food Stamp Rolls DeclineHunger Still An Issue As Food Stamp Rolls Decline

5/27/14 - New statistics on food benefits could be another sign the state's economy is slowly improving. Kevin Concannon, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s undersecretary for food, nutrition and consumer services, says the number of Michiganders receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP benefits, decreased by 80,000 over the past year, one of the biggest drops in the nation. "It's a positive sign, it's one we need a lot more of. I'm always careful to add that we're seeing green growth here and there. It's not universal yet, by any means. " Nationwide, there are now 46.2 million Americans receiving SNAP benefits, down from 47.7 million last year. SNAP enrollment ballooned after the financial crisis and continued to rise for several years. Concannon says the recent decline supports the idea that food assistance is not a crutch people rely on for life, but rather a bridge to get them through tough times. Social service agencies across the state say cuts to SNAP benefits, which took effect late last year, have many more families turning to food banks and other community resources in an effort to make ends meet. Locally that goal is being met by the Livingston County Hunger Council, a collaborative body made up of government agencies, non-profits, local businesses and private citizens. You’ll find a link to their website below. (JK)