One in three Latino children struggles to find food, and Latino families are less likely to participate in the Supplemental Food Assistance Program (SNAP) than African-American families or white families, The Huffington Postreports.
In a recent study conducted by Feeding America food banks and the Urban Institute, researchers found that while Latino families struggle with hunger at higher rates, they are 15 percent less likely than African-American or white families to take part in federal programs to alleviate hunger.
While the U.S. Department of Agriculture has made it a priority to increase Latino participation in SNAP, a mainstay of federal food programs, the numbers aren’t improving. Only about 41 percent of Latino families receive SNAP benefits compared with 56 percent of African-American families and 61 percent of white families. Moreover, since SNAP benefits local communities, low participation causes local low-income Latino economies to lose out on SNAP dollars.
To bolster enrollment in these programs, the U.S. Department of Agriculture started an outreach program with local organizations like churches and social centers, and it has begun translating materials and dedicating staff to SNAP outreach. The department also stepped up its public-private partnerships to round up resources to help feed children.
Results are already starting to show. Thanks to both public and private donors, Feeding America food banks are establishing their own SNAP outreach programs and expanding services to provide guidance to families.
To read the Feeding America and Urban Institute report on Latino children’s struggle with hunger, click here.
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