Tim tours drought conditions in South Dakota

Hunger is one of the most pressing problems that America faces today. Even in this country of abundance, the sad reality is that many families lack the necessary resources to feed themselves and their families. In fact, more than 39 million people in the United States are assisted by federally-supported nutrition programs each year.

As a former National Board Member of Bread for the World, I have long been a strong supporter of federal nutrition programs, including the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) that provides commodities to states for use at local food banks and soup kitchens. I am also a supporter of the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), which provides food and infant formula to pre- and post-natal women and their children. The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), which provides regular commodity packages to low-income seniors, as well as poor women and children who do not qualify for WIC, is very important to South Dakota. We have many seniors that would not have proper nutrition without this program. I have also been a long-time advocate of child nutrition programs, such as the National School Breakfast and Lunch Programs, the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP), and the Child and Adult Care Food Program. Now more than ever, we must do all that we can to make sure the food children receive is nutritious, and that they learn early in their lives about the importance of a well-rounded diet and regular exercise.

These, and many other federal nutrition programs, are highly effective and essential in ensuring that America's children, elderly, and vulnerable citizens maintain healthy diets. With obesity quickly becoming an epidemic in our nation, the need for strong nutrition programs is clear. From my seat on the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee, I will continue to fight for meaningful funding for these crucial programs.

Food Stamps

Considered the cornerstone of the federal nutrition program, the food stamp program provides assistance to low-income Americans in need or who are making the transition from welfare to work. In order to qualify, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements and provide information - and verification - about their household circumstances. To see if you qualify for the Food Stamp Program, click here.

Once qualified, local social service offices provide applicants with a plastic debit card (Dakota EBT card), which electronically holds coupons for certain items such as breads, fruits and meats. The size, income, and allowable expenses of a household or individual determine the quantity of coupons. The food stamp program lowers the overall price of groceries for low-income Americans allowing them to purchase a reasonable amount of nutritional items. To find a social service office near you, call the South Dakota State Information/Hotline Number at 1-877-556-2200.

The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program

The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program provides benefits such as supplemental nutritious foods, nutrition education as well as certain health, welfare, and social services to low-income pregnant or postpartum mothers with infants or young children (under the age of 5). To be eligible for the program, participants must meet state residency requirements, income guidelines, and be considered "nutritionally at risk" by a health professional. Applicants served in areas where WIC is administered by an Indian Tribal Organization (ITO) must meet residency requirements established by the ITO. To make an appointment, find your nearest WIC office by calling toll free at 1-800-738-2301 or click here.

Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations

The Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) provides food packages to low-income American Indian and non-Indian households living on a reservation or in approved areas near a reservation. In order to qualify, at least one person in the household must be a member of a Federally-recognized tribe. FDPIR participants may not take part in the Food Stamp program in the same month. The food packages are provided by the USDA and distributed either by Indian Tribal Organizations or state agencies. Each month, participants receive a food package that contains a selection of over 70 food products that work toward maintaining a balanced diet. If you think you may be eligible, call the regional office at (303) 844-0366 to find contact information for your region.

School Programs

National School Lunch Program
The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides nutritionally balanced meals to students attending public schools, nonprofit private schools and residential child care institutions. Children whose family's income is at or below 130 percent of the Federal poverty level are eligible for free meals, while those with incomes between 130 percent and 185 percent of the poverty level are eligible for reduced-price meals. (For the period of July 1, 2007, through June 30, 2008, 130 percent of the poverty level is $26,845 for a family of four; 185 percent is $38,203.) Families whose incomes exceed 185 percent of poverty pay full price for their meals. For more information about the National School Lunch Program, e-mail marlyce.micklos@state.sd.us or call (605) 773-3413.

School Breakfast Program
Similar to the National School Lunch Program, the School Breakfast Program provides breakfast to students attending public schools, nonprofit private schools and residential child care institutions. School breakfasts must meet the Dietary Guide for Americans as well as provide one-fourth of the Recommended Dietary Allowance for protein, calcium, iron, Vitamin A, Vitamin C and calories. Children from families with incomes at or below 130 percent of the Federal poverty level are eligible for free meals. Those with incomes between 130 percent and 185 percent of the poverty level are eligible for reduced-price meals. (For the period July 1, 2007, through June 30, 2008, 130 percent of the poverty level is $26,845 for a family of four; 185 percent is $38,203.) Families whose income is over 185 percent of poverty pay full price for their breakfast. For more information about the School Breakfast Program, e-mail marlyce.micklos@state.sd.us or call (605) 773-3413.

Special Milk Program
The Special Milk Program offers flavored or unflavored whole, low-fat, skim, and cultured milk to schools, child care institutions, and eligible camps that do not participate in other Federal child nutrition meal programs. As with the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program, families that qualify for free meals would also qualify to receive free milk. The Special Milk Program provides milk to more than 1,100 South Dakota children each year, distributing 119,000 half pints at 28 different sites throughout the state. For more information about the Special Milk Program call (605) 773-3413.

Summer Food Service Program
The Summer Food Service Program provides free, nutritious meals and snacks to children in low-income areas during the summer months when the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs are not available. The program is run by approved sponsors such school districts, local government agencies, camps, or private nonprofit organizations at central sites like schools or community centers. Children 18 and under as well as persons with disabilities over the age of 18 may receive up to two free meals and snacks a day. These centers are located in areas where at least half of the children come from families with incomes at or below 185 percent of the Federal poverty level. Approved sponsors such as run the program. To find out if your community participates in the program, contact the South Dakota Department of Education Child and Adult Nutrition Services at (605) 773-4746.

Child and Adult Care Food Program

The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) provides crucial meals and snacks to child and adult day care centers. The program also ensures that children who live in emergency shelters receive meals and snacks through participating afterschool care programs. Care programs apply to participate in CACFP and social services decides whether to grant the application. Participants from households with incomes at or below 130 percent of poverty are eligible for free meals, whereas participants in centers with household incomes between 130 percent and 185 percent of poverty are eligible for meals at a reduced price. Participant's eligibility is determined by the institution where they receive care. For information about participating as a day care home, child care center or adult care center on the Child and Adult Care Food Program email melissa.halling@state.sd.us or call (605) 773-3413. Alternatively, day care homes and group family day care homes may contact a sponsoring organization that covers the county in which the home is located.

Commodity Supplemental Food Program

The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) provides low-income senior citizens over 60 as well as pregnant women and new mothers with access to foods that are typically missing in their diets. This important program is a complement to-not a substitute for-the Food Stamp Program and Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Operating in 32 states (including South Dakota), the District of Columbia, and two American Indian reservations, CSFP provides not only a safety net for those who are not eligible for other food assistance programs, but it also serves as an outlet for food commodities acquired by the government for farm support.

The program delivers a basket of nutritious foods to supplement participant's diets. Participants in the Commodity Supplemental Food Program may not participate in the WIC program at the same time that they participate in CSFP. The program is administered by local CSFP or Indian Tribal Organizations. For more information about South Dakota CSFP, contact Elaine Scott, Food Program Specialist, at (605) 773-4769 or Elaine.scott@state.sd.us. To contact Indian Tribal Organizations in South Dakota regarding CSFP, contact Joe Bluehorse at 605-867-5511 or ostfoods@yahoo.com.

The Emergency Food Assistance Program

The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) supplements the diets of low-income persons by providing emergency food assistance. The USDA purchases and distributes food to the individual states, whereby local food banks then distribute food to soup kitchens and food pantries. The amount of food a state receives depends on low-income and unemployed population of the state. States determine what the requirements are for a household to receive food assistance. For more information about the South Dakota TEFAP, please contact Elaine Scott, Food Program Specialist, at (605) 773-4769 or Elaine.scott@state.sd.us.


USDA: Food & Nutrition Services | National CSFP Association | National WIC Association | National School Nutrition Association | Food Research and Action Center (FRAC) | America's Second Harvest