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Mitzi Johnson Child Care Food Program Outreach and Policy Specialist vtnohunger

Mitzi Johnson Child Care Food Program Outreach and Policy Specialist www.vtnohunger.org mjohnson@vtnohunger.org , (802) 865-0255. Policy is Possible!. Successful Vermont Initiatives. Eliminating the asset test for food stamp applicants

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Mitzi Johnson Child Care Food Program Outreach and Policy Specialist vtnohunger

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  1. Mitzi Johnson Child Care Food Program Outreach and Policy Specialist www.vtnohunger.org mjohnson@vtnohunger.org, (802) 865-0255

  2. Policy is Possible!

  3. Successful Vermont Initiatives • Eliminating the asset test for food stamp applicants • Raising the income limits for food stamp applicants • Mandating school meals be served • Providing free breakfast to children who receive reduced-price school meals. • Child Adult Care Food Program specialist

  4. Food Stamp Initiatives Asset test and increased income limits: • 12 states, 3 in northeast (NY, ME, MA) • 4 (including VT) are in the process • Households up to 185% of the poverty level, and those with more than $2000 in assets will now be eligible for food stamps • An additional $1 million/month to Vermonters! • Community partners were crucial! Stacy Dean at the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities can help your state join the list! dean@cbpp.org

  5. School Meals Mandatory school meals: • Mandated federal lunch and breakfast programs • Towns could opt-out of school meals by voting • Raised the hidden issue of hunger out into a community-wide discussion Free Breakfast: • 4 states nationwide, 2 in the northeast • Costs $0.30 per child per breakfast • Leverages $1.10 of federal money per meal • Strengthens school meal programs

  6. Child Adult Care Food Program How does your state rank? NY – 4th RI - 29th MA - 35th ME - 42th CT - 46th VT - 49th NH - 50th Look out! Vermont is moving up! According to FRAC, only DC & Mississippi have CACFP specialists in advocacy organizations

  7. Strategy Anti-hunger advocates know these initiatives: • Are good for the community • Strengthen the safety net to protect our most vulnerable citizens.

  8. Strategy Anti-hunger advocates know these initiatives: • Are good for the community • Strengthen the safety net to protect our most vulnerable citizens. Policy makers want to know how these initiatives: • Are a cost effective use of resources • Leverage other assets • Reduce costs elsewhere • Curb long range spending • Promote economic development

  9. When you testify… • Speak from the heart. • Be prepared, but don’t read a script. • Keep it short.

  10. Thank you! www.vtnohunger.org

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