Food uncertainty common for many in Merced County

It's that time of year when minds turn to food: from stuffing at Thanksgiving to sugarplums on the night before Christmas.

For many Merced residents, such thoughts are simply dreams. Up to 90,000 people here are unsure where their next meal will come from, according to California Food Policy Advocates.

Worse yet, some of them could enjoy better "food security," but don't.

Nearly 20,000 Merced County residents meet the income eligibility requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program -- the federal food stamp program -- but don't receive the benefits.

The advocacy group's new report, called "Lost Dollars, Empty Plates," estimates that $22 million in benefits would have gone to eligible Merced County residents if the participation rate had reached 100 percent.

Merced County's Human Services Agency (HSA) oversees 15,601 cases now. However, it serves far more people since that number doesn't reflect dependents of the primary recipient.

The report's numbers are extrapolated from the past and the county's numbers are current, which doesn't allow a direct comparison. Still, there's no doubt some needy residents haven't been reached.

In October, HSA received 1,755 new applications for benefits, 609 of which were denied. Most denials were filed because the application was never finished.

"I think a lot of families -- especially if they're working -- don't think they'll be eligible for food stamps," said Nicole Pollack, deputy director of the Human Services Agency. "A lot of those families could in fact be eligible."

The Food Policy Advocates recommended a series of policy changes in the report that would increase access for eligible residents. They are:

remove the asset test, which could hurt families that own property but still need help;

provide a phone or online interview process to assist residents without transportation;

discontinue fingerprinting as part of the application; and

simplify reporting systems for recipients to continue receiving benefits.

The first two policy changes can be implemented by county leaders; the second pair require state action.

In Merced County, HSA has already removed the asset test requirement for families with children. Officials are debating the merits of phone interviews, Pollack said.

The county also recently expanded its online application process for food stamp benefits. Called "C4 Yourself," the program features a short survey that tells residents if they are prequalified for food assistance and a digital application form.

Pollack encouraged residents who might be eligible to visit the site at https://www.c4yourself.com/c4yourself/ to apply.

"(These benefits) would allow families access to healthy and nutritional foods while freeing up other funds they could use for rent or clothing or transportation," she said.

California Food Policy Advocates is funded by Kaiser Permanente Community Benefit Programs, The California Endowment, The California Wellness Foundation and the Wallis Foundation. For more information on the report, visit www.cfpa.net.

Reporter Danielle E. Gaines can be reached at (209) 385-2477 or dgaines@mercedsun-star.com.