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One In Seven Alaskans Relies On Food StampsMore than 92,000 are signed up to receive the benefits, but agencies say the need is growing while their resources are notRelated Content
ANCHORAGE—For 26-year-old Jason Clarke, paying for food is not easy. Clarke struggles to get by and depends on food pantries like Lutheran Social Services of Alaska for basic meals. “I'm on unemployment right now,” Clarke said. “Having this helpful food—that gets me by every month. It’s a great burden off my chest.” Clarke isn’t alone. More than 92,000 Alaskans are signed up to receive food stamps—assistance that lasts an average of two-and-a-half weeks. “It’s been increasing dramatically in the last few years,” said Ron Kreher, director of the state’s Division of Public Assistance, of the need. “The case load itself has gone up 14 percent over this time last year.” But the supplements don’t fully support the growing needs of a household. “Households that are feeling the pinch near the end of the month would have to rely on other sources,” said Kreher. Food pantries are seeing more people like Clarke walk through their doors every day. But they can only come once a month, and supplies are dwindling. “They are not just coming to one food pantry,” said Alan Budahl, executive director for Lutheran Social Services of Alaska. “I know they are going to more than one, to help get by for the month.” Social workers say food pantry clients are members of the community. “This means that hungry folks are not ‘them’; they are ‘us’,” said Susannah Morgan, the executive director of the Food Bank of Alaska. “They get food stamps and then they go to Lutheran Social Services and then for the last few days they end up at Bean’s Cafe until food stamps come in again. That's just a continuum.” The never-ending cycle of hunger could ensnare any family. “It’s hard to wake up every morning and think, ‘OK, we are not going to be able to do everything that is needed,” said Morgan. The Food Bank of Alaska distributes 6.5 million pounds of food a year all over the state. But Morgan it would take at least 15 million pounds to truly meet the need. Some food stamps are only worth $19, which doesn’t buy too many groceries. Morgan says we can all make a difference by “doing what's in your heart to help out,” whether it’s volunteering, donating, talking to elected officials about the state’s hunger problem or holding a food drive. Morgan said every donated dollar buys five pounds of food. |
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Me said on Sunday, Sep 18 at 9:06 AM
Some people can't hunt nor would you or I want them to. Most people can fish, but selfishly.... I don't want them all fishing next to me. I have helped at CSS I realize; some are free Loaders but most are struggling. The free food you get from CSS isn't A plus. The city, business, and orgs should consider asking /requiring healthy people to do volunteer work for the free food.
73995019Majority are lazy spongers!!! said on Sunday, Sep 18 at 6:46 AM
Tell them to go hunt moose, rabbit,bear or what ever is in season. Try fishing. The pioneers didn't get help, rations, food stamps, welfare and they survived. Too much CODDLING, IF one wants to support a family they will find a way. Very few really QUALIFY for assistance.Most are just hand out begging, lazy bums, living off the tax payer. Times are grim and we don't have the funds to support the beggers any more.
73990662typical said on Saturday, Sep 17 at 1:11 PM
jjj is always negative and is on here only to bash the government. Whenever I see jjj has commented I generall overlook it. It is always the same.
73969629stupid cityfolk said on Saturday, Sep 17 at 2:28 AM
hahahahahahahaha!!!!! you all are so FUNNY!! Calling people sheep? Cowardly jjj. what are you? on the soap box, how do you know what they do all day? doing those activities doesn't mean they are abusing food stamps. and yep? haha, i bet before this economy bull started you were one of the people bashing others for not being able to support themselves. now you're in their shoes and complaining STILL? whatever, all you freaks on here think EVERYTHING is EASY. for your life it is, not theirs. the elders; bet you don't know how to do ANY of that. haters haters haters, LAZY complaining haters.
73952964Yep said on Friday, Sep 16 at 5:19 PM
With property taxes so high we are all a few missed paychecks away from homeless and food lines. TY Mark B. The obama depression has a long way to go. The chronic freeloaders need to be cut off the dole and let the ones that need temp help get it.
73942757jjj said on Thursday, Sep 15 at 11:01 AM
"treasonous"
73874294jjj said on Thursday, Sep 15 at 11:00 AM
you can thank your teasonous goverment for all of this! the traitors are deystroying this once great country! this story is NOT about food stamps rather than HOW WE GOT TO THIS POINT! TIME TO WAKE UP SHEEP!
73874244Shane J. Filomena said on Thursday, Sep 15 at 8:45 AM
: being unemployed,homeless is fast becoming a social disease: Morgan? Food Stamps used by Alaskan are electronic funds not Paper. If they don't know what they arte talking about: try not to quote them. as for telling people to resort to hunting and fishing: you go first. This is not the Wild West and people with all the answers like that are sooo cute when they find their wife cheating, know they live in hock up to their tail and eventually; loose it all..I love watching you Self Righteous fall so hard. you leave alot of empty houses homeless people can make use of in winter.
73865381onthesoapbox said on Thursday, Sep 15 at 8:41 AM
I'm all for helping the needy, BUT there's those that ABUSE the system, which really ryles me up!! Got a Family here that does not work, the mrs has no education, and the mr is a registered sex offender, AND they are always out boating, snowmobiling, and they've got about 6 children, leaving their kids with a babysitter! I'd call this abuse! I wish there was a place to call and let them know that these people are abusing the system.
73865152the elders said on Thursday, Sep 15 at 6:26 AM
they know not what they know not what to do... They don't know how to hunt or fish or pick... What do you expect? Too prideful to ask...
73856537Anonymous said on Thursday, Sep 15 at 12:40 AM
we live in ak worlds best natural resources. Hunting,fishing,gethering wild veggies 2 many people eating free, while us taxpayers pay out of pocket! To many kids having kids, not making it easyer either.
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