Most people may not realize it, but federal money that is distributed
through states for food assistance does a great service for the local
economy, keeping stores and farmers in business and consumer spending
local.
The state
Department of Human Services
estimates that every $5.00 invested by the federal government in
food assistance generates $9.20 for the local economy, says department
spokesman Edward Woods III.
“This assistance is keeping doors open,” he says, in regards to local food stores. “That often gets lost in the message.”
An added benefit is for those who use their food assistance money at farmers markets, says Woods.
An online food assistance application option began in August 2009 and has made it
“easier and more efficient” for 106,000 Michiganders who access food
assistance, he says.
Nearly 190 community partners throughout Michigan are recognized for
having computers anyone can use to apply. The department itself has 60
computer stations in 30 local offices.
For fiscal years 2009 and 2010, Michigan has secured more than $500
million from the federal government in the form of food assistance.
Woods says the average person receives food assistance for less than
two years.
Source: Edward Woods III, Michigan Department of Human Services
Writer: Andy Balaskovitz
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