Actually, Food Stamps as they used to be known are gone-now it’s all done electronically by electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards. Every year in San Francisco there is $61,000,000 worth of Food Stamps that go unclaimed. Only 46% of people who are eligible to receive Food Stamps actually get them. This translates to a $128,000,000 economic impact of the city. Right now it is being made easier than ever to get on Food Stamps (even though it may still take a few days). The Human Services Agency is trying to enroll as many people as they can right now.

Homeless, Senior and Disabled people (only if they are not on SSI; people on SSI can not get Food Stamps) will not have to re-certify for a year if they get on them now (you usually have to re-certify every three months). If you think you may qualify for them, go to the Food Stamp office 1235 Mission (between 8th and 9th streets). Bring an id and they can check your eligibility and get you approved quicker than ever right now. If you are homeless and you get on Food Stamps now then you won’t have to re-certify for ONE YEAR, so go down and get approved now.

This will not last. The state is in the process of implementing a new computer program called CALWIN and they are in a bit of chaos right now. This is why they are extending re-certification dates for vulnerable populations.

Anarchy on the Food Security Task Force

The Coalition on Homelessness is proud to announce the appointment of Ms. Daisy Anarchy to the newly formed San Francisco Food Security Task Force as the Coalition representative. Daisy is a tireless community labor organizer and advocate for Sex Workers as well as survivors of domestic violence here in San Francisco. She has a history of standing up for the rights of women being oppressed by unfair labor practices and the patriarchal power structure.

The task force, created by Sofie to address issues of hunger in San Francisco, has a variety of members from city departments and Community based Organizations that are, among other things, attempting to increase food stamp utilization by residents of San Francisco. The task force will become active in the next couple of months so look out for their helpful advocacy and information. Daisy Anarchy can be reached at the Coalition (415) 346-3740.

COH

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