Food Stamp Need on the Rise; More Help Available

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- More people than ever are receiving food stamp assistance in Jacksonville.

The number has nearly tripled in the last six years, according to the Department of Children and Families.

This year alone, according to DCF statistics, the number is up 42 percent, meaning almost 15 percent of all Duval County residents receive food stamps, including one in four children.

The total number of people on food stamps is now 127,000 in Duval County. In 2003, the number was 48,867.

"Just this week, a newly released study estimated that nearly half of all U.S. children will be helped by food stamps at some point before they turn 18," noted Nancy Dreicer, Northeast region director for the Florida Department of Children and Families, in a statement.

"You can see the major concern that we should all have for ensuring that needy families and children get the food they need to live."

To help make it easier for those needing assistance, the DCF has a "My ACCESS Account" service available online, so going to a  DCF service center in not necessary. Public libraries offer internet service at no charge.

Using the online service, people can view their current benefits, the dates certain benefits will be available, check on the status of appointments and more.

CLICK HERE to sign up for the service or for food stamp assistance.

To further help, the DCF has partnered with the Second Harvest Food Bank and the Jacksonville Farmers Market to allow food stamp recipients to use EBT cards to purchase fresh food and plants from selected vendors.

There will be a kickoff event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 14 at the Jacksonville Farmers Market on Beaver Street for the "Fresh Food for Families" program of Second Harvest.

At the kickoff event, customers who purchase at least $10 worth of food with the EBT cards will get a free bag of fresh fall food.

"We applaud the Second Harvest Food Bank and the Jacksonville Farmers Market for their efforts to help food stamp recipients in Jacksonville," Dreicer said.  "We also appreciate the efforts of more than 150 community partners in Duval County who allow people to apply for food stamps at their locations. These partners include community agencies, churches and libraries."

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