America's Second Harvest Receives $100,000 Grant From the UPS Foundation
Funds Will Be Used To Improve Access to Food Stamps
CHICAGO --- September 20, 2006 --- America’s Second Harvest – The Nation’s Food Bank Network has received a $100,000 grant from The UPS Foundation, the charitable arm of UPS (NYSE:UPS). The contribution, the first installment of an overall $300,000 grant award, will fund a two-year demonstration project at six food pantries in Northern Illinois that is designed to increase participation in the Food Stamp Program among eligible households.
“Too many Americans who qualify for food stamps do not receive them. Our goal with this program is to help eligible households quickly access this important program, so that they can provide their families with proper nutrition,” said Vicki Escarra, president and CEO of America’s Second Harvest. “We are extremely pleased to accept this grant from The UPS Foundation. It will help us create a truly innovative program.”
The USDA reports that nationally only 56% of eligible persons participate in
the Food Stamp Program. Participation rates are even lower for
elderly households, low-income workers, and for non-citizens. There are
many reasons for low levels of participation, including a mistaken belief among
some people that they are not eligible, and avoidance of the perceived hassle of
the application process.
In its comprehensive study, Hunger in
America 2006, America's Second Harvest found that nationally only 35% of
the persons served by food pantries in its Network are currently receiving food
stamps, despite a majority having circumstances that would make them
eligible.
A volunteer at the six food pantries will
assist clients in completing a simplified food stamp application on a laptop
computer, which will quickly determine eligibility. Qualified candidates will
immediately receive their Illinois Link card on-site.
Other partners making this project possible are the Northern Illinois Food Bank, the five pantries, USDA's Food and Nutrition Service, and the Illinois Department of Human Services. As experience is gained with this innovative application process, additional pantries will be added.
“Giving back to the communities is an important part of UPS’s culture that’s embraced by our employees through volunteerism, making donations and sharing their intellectual capital,” said Evern Cooper Epps, president of The UPS Foundation and vice president of UPS corporate relations. “Together with nonprofit partners such as America’s Second Harvest, we work to make a positive impact on the lives of people in need.”
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The UPS Foundation - Established in 1951 and based in Atlanta, Ga., The UPS Foundation identifies specific areas where its backing clearly impacts social issues. In support of this strategic approach, The UPS Foundation has identified literacy, hunger relief, and volunteerism as its focus areas.
In 2004, The UPS Foundation distributed nearly $40 million worldwide thought grants that benefit organization or programs such as America’s Second Harvest and provide support for buildng stronger communities.
America's Second Harvest — The Nation's Food Bank Network is the nation's largest charitable hunger-relief organization with a Network of more than 200 regional member food banks and food - rescue programs serving all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. The America's Second Harvest Network secures and distributes more than two billion pounds of donated food and grocery products annually. The America's Second Harvest Network supports approximately 50,000 local charitable agencies operating more than 94,000 programs including food pantries, soup kitchens, emergency shelters, after-school programs, and Kids Cafes. Last year, the America's Second Harvest Network provided food assistance to more than 25 million low-income hungry people in the United States, including more than nine million children and nearly three million seniors. For more on America's Second Harvest, please visit www.secondharvest.org.
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