THE SNAP TASK FORCE...2017/11/16 · The Research Packet For THE SNAP TASK FORCE Meeting of...
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The Research Packet For
THE SNAP TASK FORCE
Meeting of November 16, 2017
Prepared by the staff of Benefits Access,
Food Bank For New York City
39 Broadway, 10th Fl.
New York NY 10006
Tel: 212.566.7855
Fax: 212.566.1463
www.foodbanknyc.org
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FOOD BANK FOR NEW YORK CITY
S N A P T a s k F o r c e M e e t i n g o f N o v e m b e r , 2 0 1 7 Contents of this document are the property of Food Bank For New York City and cannot be copied
in any way, shape or form without permission from its creator.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS:
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)…………………………………………………………
1. Examination of the Effect of SNAP Benefit and Eligibility Parameters on Low-Income
Households…………………………………………………………………………………………………
2. Retailer Eligibility – Treatment of Applicant Firm(s) Colocated With a Restaurant…………...
3. Press Releases……………………………………………………………………………………………...
USDA Increases Food Purchasing Power for Hurricane-Hit Virgin Islanders Through
D-SNAP……………………………………………………………………………………………..
New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA)……………………………..
1. General Information System 17 TA/DC044: Home Energy Assistance Program Regular
Benefit Component Opening…………………………………………………………………………..
2. General Information System 17 TA/DC043: Excessive Replacement Card Notices to
Clients………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
3. New York State SNAP Participation and Benefit Value in August 2017………………………...
New York City Human Resources Administration (HRA)………………………………………………..
1. Policy Bulletins and Directives…………………………………………………………………………..
Policy Bulletin #17-94-OPE: Functions of Staff at Hurricane Relief Center………..……..
Policy Bulletin #17-95-SYS: Introduction of the New Express Site Queue in the
Paperless Office System (POS)…………………………………………………………………..
Policy Bulletin #17-96-OPE: Monthly Updates (FIA-1152F, FIA-1152G)……………………
Reports and Notable Items from Other Sources……………………………………….…………………
1. SNAP Helps Almost 1.5 Million Low-Income Veterans, Center on Budget and Policy
Priorities……………………………………………………………………………………………………...
2. The World is Off Track to End Hunger, So What’s the Solution, Brookings Institution…………
3. The Role of SCSEP in Workforce Training for Low-Income Older Workers – Urban Institute…
Hunger and Poverty in the Media…………………………………………………………………………...
1. Local News…………………………………………………………………………………......................
De Blasio’s Record on Poverty and Inequality, Gotham Gazette………………………..
Comptroller Wants Paying Rent on Time To Count Towards Credit Score, NY Times…
2. National News……………………………………………………………………………………………..
Food Access Advocates Walk the Long Walk…To the Nearest Grocery Store, NPR…
The Fastest-Growing Jobs in America Pay About $22,000 Per Year, Washington Post.
3. International News………………………………………………………………………………………….
AP Interview: UN Food Chief to End Hunger, End Conflict, Associated Press……………
What’s the Meaning of the World Bank’s New Poverty Lines? NPR……………………….
APPENDICES
Appendix A: Action Required After Submission (FIA-1200)………………………………………………
Appendix B: Application Interview Notice for the SNAP - Action is Required! (FIA-1152f)……......
Appendix C: Application Interview Appointment Notice for the SNAP (FIA-1152g)……………….
Appendix C: SNAP Benefits Compromise/Repayment Agreement Acknowledgment (LDSS-
4857)………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Appendix D: Sample Letter for SNAP Households (PB #17-68-OPE)……………………………………
Appendix E: Confirmation of Contact With Your Center (FIA-1173)…………………………………...
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FOOD BANK FOR NEW YORK CITY
S N A P T a s k F o r c e M e e t i n g o f N o v e m b e r , 2 0 1 7 Contents of this document are the property of Food Bank For New York City and cannot be copied
in any way, shape or form without permission from its creator.
Page 3
I. UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
1. EXAMINATION OF THE EFFECT OF SNAP BENEFIT AND ELIGIBILITY
PARAMETERS ON LOW-INCOME HOUSEHOLDS, OCTOBER 27, 2017 <https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/examination-effect-supplemental-nutrition-
assistance-program-snap-benefit-and-eligibility-parameters>
This study examines policies that determine SNAP benefit levels, particularly SNAP
deductions, and how they compare to spending patterns by low-income
households1 in 2013 and 2014. SNAP benefits are calculated under the assumption
that households spend about 30 percent of their net income on food. However,
USDA finds that when accounting for expenses, food costs actually represent 42
percent of net income spent by low-income households. Overall, shelter, food and
transportation accounted for nearly three-quarters of household spending over the
period analyzed.
The authors also found that while most SNAP deductions reflect actual expenditures
by qualifying households, households that are not covered may have large
expenses. For example, half of all households who do not qualify for the medical
deduction (non-elderly/disabled households) report medical expenses averaging
more than $224 per month. In addition, the cap on the excess shelter deduction
restricts SNAP benefits for 14 percent of households without elderly/disabled
members. Furthermore, SNAP does not account for common expenses such as
home repairs or maintenance, vehicle-related expenses, and finance, late charges,
or interest on student loans.
1 For the purposes of the study, USDA defined low-income households as those with reported income below 200% FPL
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FOOD BANK FOR NEW YORK CITY
S N A P T a s k F o r c e M e e t i n g o f N o v e m b e r , 2 0 1 7 Contents of this document are the property of Food Bank For New York City and cannot be copied
in any way, shape or form without permission from its creator.
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2. RETAILER ELIGIBILITY – TREATMENT OF APPLICANT FIRM(S) COLOCATED WITH
A RESTAURANT, OCTOBER 16, 2017 <https://www.fns.usda.gov/treatment-applicant-or-authorized-firms-colocated-
restaurant>
USDA FNS has begun implementing the final rule to enhance retailer standards in the
SNAP program. The rule specifies that when multiple retail food stores are
colocated, meaning that they operate at the same location and “meet certain
elements,” FNS will consider them a single firm when determining their eligibility for
SNAP authorization. This memo clarifies that multiple firms will be considered a single
“retail food store” if they meet all four of the following elements:
Operate under one roof
Share ownership
Sell similar foods
Share inventory
3. PRESS RELEASES
“USDA INCREASES FOOD PURCHASING POWER FOR HURRICANE-HIT
VIRGIN ISLANDERS THROUGH D-SNAP,” OCTOBER 31, 2017
<https://www.fns.usda.gov/pressrelease/2017/fns-014017>
USDA has announced a D-SNAP program for households in the U.S. Virgin Islands
recovering from Hurricanes Irma and Maria. Households who meet the eligibility
criteria, based on disaster income limits and expenses, may qualify for two
months of benefits. The amount of benefits will be equivalent to the maximum
available to their household size under normal SNAP rules. In addition, USDA is
issuing disaster supplements to current SNAP recipients to bring their October and
November benefits up to the maximum allotment for their household size.
Additional information about eligibility criteria and how to apply is available at:
https://www.fns.usda.gov/disaster/usda-disaster-food-assistance-help-us-virgin-
islands
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FOOD BANK FOR NEW YORK CITY
S N A P T a s k F o r c e M e e t i n g o f N o v e m b e r , 2 0 1 7 Contents of this document are the property of Food Bank For New York City and cannot be copied
in any way, shape or form without permission from its creator.
Page 5
II. NEW YORK STATE OFFICE OF TEMPORARY
AND DISABILITY ASSISTANCE
1. GENERAL INFORMATION SYSTEM 17 TA/DC044: HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE
PROGRAM REGULAR BENEFIT COMPONENT OPENING, NOVEMBER 10, 2017
<https://otda.ny.gov/policy/gis/2017/17DC044.pdf>
The 2017-2017 Home Energy Assistance
Program (HEAP) regular benefit component
opened on November 13, 2017. Local
districts in New York State must begin
accepting applications for HEAP, and may
issue payments and guarantees to applicant
households. Eligibility and benefit levels are based on income, household
composition, and the household’s primary heating source.
The HEAP application is available for download at ACCESS HRA, and may be
submitted via mail or in-person at a local HEAP Center. For a list of New York City
HEAP Offices, visit: https://otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/contacts/. Applications
may be mailed to:
PO Box 1401
Church Street Station
New York, NY 10008
Phone: (212)331-3126
2. GENERAL INFORMATION SYSTEM 17 TA/DC043: EXCESSIVE REPLACEMENT
CARD NOTICES TO CLIENTS, NOVEMBER 6, 2017
<https://otda.ny.gov/policy/gis/2017/17DC043.pdf>
OTDA has produced a new client notice that will be issued to SNAP or CA/SNAP
households who exceed four or more replacement Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT)
card requests in a 12-month period. The notice is designed “to reduce unnecessary
benefit card production costs and enhance program integrity.” However, OTDA
emphasizes that the letter does not imply any unlawful activity. The agency
understands that many clients who request replacement cards need additional
information and/or other services. To read the full notice text, visit the link above.
The HEAP program provides a one-time
regular benefit towards home heating
costs. Additional information about HEAP, including benefit levels and the
emergency component, is available at
https://otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/
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FOOD BANK FOR NEW YORK CITY
S N A P T a s k F o r c e M e e t i n g o f N o v e m b e r , 2 0 1 7 Contents of this document are the property of Food Bank For New York City and cannot be copied
in any way, shape or form without permission from its creator.
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3. NEW YORK STATE SNAP PARTICIPATION AND BENEFIT VALUE IN AUGUST
2017
<https://otda.ny.gov/resources/caseload/2017/2017-08-stats.pdf>
According to the latest data from OTDA, SNAP participation across New York State
decreased slightly from July 2017 to August 2017. However, benefits issued to New
York households showed an increase of nearly one percentage point. As a result,
on average households received three dollars more in SNAP in August 2017
compared to the previous month. In New York City, 1,662,817 individuals received
$242,563,785 in SNAP benefits. The average SNAP benefit received by NYC
households was $257.
PERSONS HOUSEHOLDS BENEFITS
JU
LY 2
01
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AU
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ST
20
17
PER
CEN
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JU
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01
7
AU
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01
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GE
New York State 2,880,757 2,869,135
-0.40% 1,597,548 1,593,384
-0.26% $391,382,170 $394,989,470
-
0.92%
New York City 1,670,141 1,662,817
-0.44% 945,023 942,397
-0.28% $240,319,159 $242,563,785
0.93%
Rest of State 1,210,616 1,206,318
-0.36% 652,525 650,987
-0.24% $151,063,011 $152,425,685
0.90%
AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD SIZE AVERAGE BENEFITS PER HOUSEHOLD
JU
LY 2
01
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AU
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20
17
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JU
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AU
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20
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AN
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New York State 1.803 1.801 -0.13% $244.98 $247.89 1.19%
New York City 1.767 1.764 -0.14% $254.30 $257.39 1.22%
Rest of State 1.855 1.853 -0.10% $231.51 $234.15 1.14%
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FOOD BANK FOR NEW YORK CITY
S N A P T a s k F o r c e M e e t i n g o f N o v e m b e r , 2 0 1 7 Contents of this document are the property of Food Bank For New York City and cannot be copied
in any way, shape or form without permission from its creator.
Page 7
III. NEW YORK CITY HUMAN RESOURCES ADMINISTRATION
1. POLICY BULLETINS AND DIRECTIVES
POLICY BULLETIN #17-94-OPE: FUNCTIONS OF STAFF AT THE HURRICANE RELIEF
CENTER, OCTOBER 27, 2017
This policy bulletin details the responsibilities of
HRA staff serving at the Hurricane Relief Center
(HRC), which opened on October 19th to serve
displaced individuals and families from Puerto
Rico, Texas, Florida, the U.S. Virgin Islands and
other Caribbean islands.
Anyone who reports to the HRC will be asked
several intake questions, and referred to the
appropriate table if services seem applicable.
In addition to a range of services such as food
assistance and mental health counseling, representatives from DSS/HRA can assist
with enrollment into SNAP, Cash Assistance, Medicaid and other health insurance
options.
NOTE: The HRC is not the exclusive location for evacuee households to apply for
SNAP or emergency assistance. Households still have the option to request
assistance at any SNAP/Job Center in the five boroughs.
HRA staff at the HRC can assist clients in submitting their application via ACCESS
HRA, as well as scanning supporting documentation. However, the HRC does not
conduct application interviews. Therefore, clients who apply for SNAP at the HRC
will either be scheduled for a phone interview, or instructed to report to a SNAP
Center if they opt for a face-to-face interview or lack a phone number. Before
leaving the HRC, a household will receive the FIA-1200 form (Appendix A), which
confirms that an interview was scheduled.
POLICY BULLETIN #17-95-SYS: INTRODUCTION OF THE NEW EXPRESS SITE QUEUE
IN THE PAPERLESS OFFICE SYSTEM (POS), OCTOBER 27, 2017
The HRA Express Service site opened on October 30th, 2017 at 404 Pine Street,
Brooklyn. Participants can visit the Express Site to return requested documents,
make requests for emergency assistance, and request case changes. Staff from the
Homelessness Diversion Unit are also available to assist participants with housing
emergencies. However, the Express Site will not handle processing for programs
and services. Instead, all SNAP requests made at the HRA Express Site will be
forwarded to the East New York SNAP Center (S28) seamlessly through POS.
The Hurricane Relief Center is
located at the following address:
Julia De Burgos Latino Cultural
Center
1680 Lexington Avenue
New York, NY 10029
The opening hours are as follows:
Monday-Friday: 9:00am-5:00pm
Saturday: 10:00am-4:00pm
Sunday: 1:00pm-4:00pm
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FOOD BANK FOR NEW YORK CITY
S N A P T a s k F o r c e M e e t i n g o f N o v e m b e r , 2 0 1 7 Contents of this document are the property of Food Bank For New York City and cannot be copied
in any way, shape or form without permission from its creator.
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POLICY BULLETIN #17-96-OPE: MONTHLY UPDATES (FIA-1152F, FIA-1152G),
OCTOBER 31, 2017
HRA has published two new forms in regards to the new On Demand SNAP process
for New Applications:
“Application Interview Notice for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance
Program (SNAP) Action is Required!” (FIA-1152f) – Appendix B
“Application Interview Appointment Notice for the Supplemental Nutrition
Assistance Program (SNAP)” (FIA-1152g) – Appendix C
A separate policy bulletin will be posted at a later date detailing the On Demand
process for new applications.
IV. Reports and Notable Items from Other Sources
1. SNAP HELPS ALMOST 1.5 MILLION LOW-INCOME VETERANS – CENTER ON
BUDGET AND POLICY PRIORITIES, SEPTEMBER 28, 2017
<https://www.cbpp.org/research/food-assistance/empowers-bill-opens-door-to-
radical-snap-changes-that-would-put-benefits>
An average of nearly 1.5 million veterans participated in SNAP each year between
2014 and 2016, according to the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities. This report
provides a snapshot of SNAP-participating veterans and the challenges they face
in accessing nutritious food for their families.
Thousands of low-income veterans in each state depend on SNAP to keep food on
the table. Florida and Texas have the highest number of veterans participating in
SNAP, at 124,000 and 103,000 respectively. New York State has an estimated 67,000
veterans who participate in SNAP each year. 20 percent of US households
accessing the emergency food network include a veteran, and disabled veterans
are about twice as likely to be food insecure compared to households without a
disabled member. Approximately 1.4 million veterans reported a disability
connected with their service. In addition, some veterans have barriers to
employment upon returning from service, particularly young veterans with limited
work experience.
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FOOD BANK FOR NEW YORK CITY
S N A P T a s k F o r c e M e e t i n g o f N o v e m b e r , 2 0 1 7 Contents of this document are the property of Food Bank For New York City and cannot be copied
in any way, shape or form without permission from its creator.
Page 9
2. THE WORLD IS OFF TRACK TO END HUNGER, SO WHAT’S THE SOLUTION? –
BROOKINGS INSTITUTION, OCTOBER 23, 2017 <https://www.brookings.edu/blog/future-development/2017/10/23/the-world-is-off-
track-to-end-hunger-so-whats-the-solution/>
Hunger is a universal problem, as more than 800 million people worldwide struggle
to access food, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization. Despite
international goals to eliminate hunger and guarantee access to food by all
people by 2030, the estimated number of people experiencing hunger has
continued to rise, with no signs of improvement over the past decade. Even in
advanced economies, 10 percent of the population (100 million people) report
they are food insecure.
The authors argue that policies and resources to address hunger have failed to
improve global food security. They write that international organizations must be
more accountable in supplying timely, high quality data about hunger.
Furthermore, strategies to address global hunger must be implemented in a
systemic way that gradually works towards zero hunger targets set by the
international community. Finally, donor countries must do more to turn their pledges
to reduce hunger into action plans.
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FOOD BANK FOR NEW YORK CITY
S N A P T a s k F o r c e M e e t i n g o f N o v e m b e r , 2 0 1 7 Contents of this document are the property of Food Bank For New York City and cannot be copied
in any way, shape or form without permission from its creator.
Page 10
3. THE ROLE OF SCSEP IN WORKFORCE TRAINING FOR LOW-INCOME OLDER
WORKERS – URBAN INSTITUTE, OCTOBER 31, 2017 <https://www.urban.org/research/publication/role-scsep-workforce-training-low-
income-older-workers>
As life expectancy increases in the US, and a growing percentage of older workers
report they have no plans to retire in the next five years, demand for workforce
programs serving older workers is increasing. The Senior Community Service
Employment Program (SCSEP) is a $400 million federal workforce investment
program serving low-income unemployed older adults. It is the only program of its
kind to target older individuals, and is estimated to connect 67,000 individuals with
training and work experiences in Program Year 2017.
However, the FY 2018 federal budget proposes to eliminate all funding from SCSEP,
citing it as an ineffective program. This white paper by the Urban Institute defends
the SCSEP, and explores potential impacts if the program were to be cut. The
authors write that the program’s benefits to participants outweigh the cost. SCSEP
transitioned 51.3 percent of participants into unsubsidized employment, with
average annual wages in the first year of program exist at $15,866. This represents a
net gain of $2,873 on average per participant compared to program costs.
In addition, SCSEP serves a vulnerable population often overlooked by other
programs, such as those funded under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity
Act of 2014 (WIOA). In many cases, individuals under age 65 who struggle to
reenter the labor force turn to SCSEP for help. As a result, the program can help
inform public/private efforts to engage older adults and address barriers to
employment, such as age discrimination, hearing or vision loss, and age-related
physical limitations.
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FOOD BANK FOR NEW YORK CITY
S N A P T a s k F o r c e M e e t i n g o f N o v e m b e r , 2 0 1 7 Contents of this document are the property of Food Bank For New York City and cannot be copied
in any way, shape or form without permission from its creator.
Page 11
V. Hunger and Poverty in the Media
1. LOCAL NEWS
“DE BLASIO’S RECORD ON POVERTY AND INEQUALITY,” GOTHAM
GAZETTE, NOVEMBER 1, 2017
<http://www.gothamgazette.com/city/7280-de-blasio-s-record-on-poverty-and-
inequality>
Mayor Bill de Blasio was reelected to a second term on November 7th. During his
first term in office, the de Blasio administration has focused on building equity
and addressing city poverty. The Mayor’s approach has shown signs of success:
City estimates show that poverty is the lowest it has been since the Great
Recession. The city’s universal pre-kindergarten program, championed by de
Blasio, serves nearly 70,000 children, saving families an estimated $1.4 billion in
child care costs. In addition, the city’s minimum wage increased to $11 and will
phase in to $15 minimum wage by 2018. Looking ahead to his second term, de
Blasio has said he will work towards building job opportunities and talent
pipelines in growing economic sectors, while working to address the city’s
affordability crisis.
“COMPTROLLER WANTS PAYING RENT ON TIME TO COUNT TOWARDS
CREDIT SCORE,” NEW YORK TIMES, OCTOBER 22, 2017
<https://citylimits.org/2017/10/11/food-program-for-poor-families-tries-to-boost-
breastfeeding-rates/>
NYC Comptroller Scott M. Stringer has announced a plan to encourage
landlords and property management companies to allow low-income tenants to
report their rent payments and improve their credit scores. Stringer argues that
the plan would particularly benefit tenants in rent-heavy or poorer
neighborhoods, as well as black and Hispanic renters. The comptroller’s office
reports that 76 percent of tenants paying less than $2,000 would see their credit
scores improve if their timely rent payments were counted. An additional 30
percent would have an average score of 700, well within the range of a good
credit score, enabling households to access better rates for insurance, vehicles,
utilities, and phone charges.
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FOOD BANK FOR NEW YORK CITY
S N A P T a s k F o r c e M e e t i n g o f N o v e m b e r , 2 0 1 7 Contents of this document are the property of Food Bank For New York City and cannot be copied
in any way, shape or form without permission from its creator.
Page 12
2. NATIONAL
“FOOD ACCESS ADVOCATES WALK THE LONG WALK ... TO THE NEAREST
GROCERY STORE,” NPR, NOVEMBER 1, 2017
<https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2017/11/01/560476160/food-access-
advocates-walk-the-long-walk-to-the-nearest-grocery-store>
Nearly 500 people gathered in Washington DC’s Anacostia neighborhood to
participate in a Grocery Walk, speaking out against food deserts in low-income
communities. Participants walked two miles – the same distance residents would
have to travel to visit their closest grocery store – and spoke out against the
grocery gap. While many areas in DC have an abundance of food retail
options, a recent study found that nearly 70 percent of supermarkets were
concentrated in the city’s wealthiest neighborhoods. Only three exist in poorer
communities, limiting access to healthy, affordable foods for local residents.
Advocates say they hope the walk will demonstrate the demand for new,
healthier grocery options, and help convince retailers to invest in poor
communities.
“THE FASTEST-GROWING JOBS IN AMERICA PAY ABOUT $22,000 PER
YEAR,” THE WASHINGTON POST, NOVEMBER 13, 2017
<https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2017/11/13/americas-
fastest-growing-jobs-are-also-the-worst-paying/?utm_term=.d080fcd71525>
New figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show that job growth continues to
concentrate in positions with low wages and weak benefits. Analysts predict that
1.2 million jobs will open for home health and personal care aids over the next
ten years, more positions than projected growth in eight other rapidly growing
fields combined. The median annual wage for these jobs in 2017 is $22,600 and
$21,000 respectively. Many subsist on incomes below 200 percent of the federal
poverty line, and rely on public benefits like SNAP. In addition, nine in ten of these
workers are women, and nearly half identify as black or Hispanic.
3. INTERNATIONAL
“AP INTERVIEW: UN FOOD CHIEF SAYS TO END HUNGER, END
CONFLICT,” ASSOCIATED PRESS, NOVEMBER 11, 2017
<https://apnews.com/5aa636bd99b846c3840fae8b991d1e5e>
The head of the UN’s World Food Program says that extreme hunger by 2030 can
only be eliminated by addressing global man-made conflict. Approximately 815
million people faced extreme hunger in 2016, a number which has steadily
increased over the past few years due to conflict in 19 countries around the
world – such as Congo, Central African Republic, South Sudan, Yemen, Syria and
Somalia. As a result, efforts to provide food aid, build infrastructure, and promote
economic growth have been hindered. 80 percent of the Program’s funds are
going into these regions, but David Beasley says more international coordination
is required to address global conflict.
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FOOD BANK FOR NEW YORK CITY
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“WHAT'S THE MEANING OF THE WORLD BANK'S NEW POVERTY LINES?,”
NPR, OCTOBER 25, 2017
<https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2017/10/25/558068646/whats-the-
meaning-of-the-world-banks-new-poverty-lines>
The World Bank has established new guidelines to determine who is living in
extreme poverty. Previously, those living on less than $1.90 a day were
considered to be in extreme poverty. However, millions of people living in
middle-income nations struggle to obtain basic subsistence even on more than
$1.90 a day. As a result, the World Bank has set two new poverty guidelines: $3.20
a day for lower middle income nations (e.g. Egypt, India, Philippines) and $5.50 a
day for nations like Brazil, Jamaica and South Africa. The goal is to better assess
and support those who experience malnutrition, no matter where they live.
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Page 14
APPENDIX A
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Page 15
APPENDIX B
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Page 17
APPENDIX C
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Page 19
FOOD BANK FOR NEW YORK CITY
2017