Letter to Editor: Help During Hard Times

It seems a day doesn’t go by without news of another mass lay-off or plant closing. The mid-state has been hit especially hard in the New Year. There was Williams-Sonoma, then TYCO, Master Brand Cabinets, Inc., Circuit City, and Harley-Davidson. Even Governor Rendell warns of looming furloughs and reduced hours for state employees.

While many recently laid-off employees know to file for unemployment compensation, there are fewer who know of the other great benefits that may be available to them and their families, such as the Food Stamp Program (FSP), the Low-Income Heat and Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), free and reduced-price school meals, and the Pennsylvania Child Health Insurance Program (CHIP). The rules for eligibility have changed for three out of the four of these programs (FSP, LIHEAP, CHIP) in the past year. More people are eligible now than had been in the past.

The Pennsylvania Hunger Action Center is a statewide anti-hunger advocacy nonprofit that offers assistance to those individuals interested in applying for food stamps. Callers can be screened for program eligibility and can apply for the other programs listed above if they appear to be eligible. It’s a free service. All you have to do is call our toll-free line at 1-800-634-2033. It can all be done over the phone. All calls are confidential.

During a time when everyone seems to feel the pinch – some more than others, the Hunger Action Center is there to help families get through this trying time.

Laura Tobin
Operations and Food Stamp Outreach Manager
Pennsylvania Hunger Action Center