Flint Township View

GDL spreads the word about nutrition program




GENESEE COUNTY — The Genesee District Library (GDL) has announced a partnership with the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which is the term for what was formally known as Food Stamps. Although the program has been around since the 1930s, it is still underutilized by low-income families.

In 2009 alone, Michigan missed out on an estimated $1.9 billion of federal funding due to eligible families not enrolling in this program. SNAP is the nation’s first line of defense against hunger in the United States. As a hunger relief organization, the Genesee District Library and Food Bank of Eastern Michigan both know how important SNAP benefits are to struggling families and the economy as a whole.

“Once again the GDL is connecting local citizens with the necessary resources to help them through these tough times,” Genesee District Library Executive Director, Carolyn Nash said.

The goal of the partnership is create an awareness of the program and its benefits with struggling families. During the month of May, SNAP Outreach Specialists will be at selected libraries to actively assist and guide clients through the application process.

Those meeting with a specialist at the library will not have to go to a DHS office. — G.G.


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