Poverty is on the rise in Colorado and its shadow, hunger, is never far behind.
Recently released U.S. Census data from 2009 shows that the recession has led to more Colorado families experiencing conditions that often lead to hunger.
Consistent with national trends during the recession, the number of people living below the poverty line in Colorado grew by 15 percent in just one year. Especially troublesome is our state’s child poverty rate, which jumped to 16.3 percent in 2008 from 13 percent the previous two years.
These startling numbers should serve as a wake-up call because families who have previously been able to keep their income above the poverty line have recently fallen behind, likely due to job loss and other effects of the recession. We must help ensure Colorado kids and families get the nutrition they need.
A first step is a greater commitment to leveraging food programs that are fully funded by federal dollars simply by improving access for Colorado families who need them. Colorado trails most other states in enrollment in the nutrition safety net.
We rank last in participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly the Food Stamp Program. Data from 2009 show that, in Denver, nearly three-quarters of households living below the poverty line went without any help from SNAP even though they qualify.
At last count, Colorado also ranked 47th in the Summer Food Service Program, which feeds children when they are out of school, and 45th in School Breakfast Program participation.
During tough economic times, demand for social services increases, while state and local resources diminish. Yet Colorado is leaving on the table federal money that is available to reduce hunger.
In fact, Colorado failed to claim more than $750 million in food stamp benefits in 2009 — roughly enough to feed nearly 480,000 Coloradans for a year.
Part of maximizing participation in state-based, federally funded food programs is increasing awareness that the programs exist. Last year, the Summer Food Service Program in Colorado served 767,800 meals, reaching just 6.9 percent of eligible kids.
But this year, after expanded outreach by the state and its nonprofit partners, the number of meals served spiked by 80 percent to more than 960,000 delivered through 300 community sites across Colorado.
We must offer an application process that does not create unnecessary impediments for needy families. Colorado’s application for SNAP assistance is 26 pages long. By comparison, our concealed firearm permit application is just two pages.
As a state, we are faced with many complex issues. But when it comes to hunger, the solutions are relatively straightforward. Food assistance programs feed hungry kids and families, and come with a 100 percent federal reimbursement.
We know the costs of hunger in human terms. But there also is a cost to our state: Hungry adults can’t work as hard or earn as much, and children who go to school hungry can’t learn.
The solution is simple: Let’s make sure Coloradans know about and can easily access the programs that are available to help them weather this economic storm.
Kathy Underhill is executive director of Hunger Free Colorado.
