Make Two Calls TODAY to Include Food Stamp Increase in Stimulus Plan

We need your help TODAY to ensure that a temporary increase in Food Stamp benefits is included in the economic stimulus plan being crafted by federal policymakers.

You know that Food Stamps can be an effective boost for families struggling to make ends meet. But did you know that economists have determined that a temporary increase in Food Stamps is one of the quickest-acting and most effective ways to stimulate our economy?

The U.S. Senate will be taking action TODAY on their version of the economic stimulus plan. If they do not include a temporary increase in Food Stamps in their stimulus package, we will have lost the opportunity to take this step to support struggling families and stimulate the economy.

Both of our U.S. Senators are thought to be swing votes on this issue and need to hear from Minnesotans today.

Contact Senators Coleman and Klobuchar at 1-800-965-4298 with this message: Please work to ensure that the Senate’s stimulus plan includes a temporary increase in food stamps.

Talking Points:
• A temporary increase in Food Stamps is the most effective stimulus measure on the table: it would generate an estimated $1.73 in increased economic activity for each $1 increase in Food Stamps.
• A temporary increase in Food Stamps would have a quick impact: it could start reaching Minnesotans in 60 days, perhaps even faster.
• A temporary food stamp increase would be easy to implement, and help thousands of Minnesotans, including many seniors and people with disabilities.

If you have any questions, please contact Steve Francisco, 651-249-3806, or Nan Madden, 651-642-1904 ×230.

Recent news:

• Food drive pits Albert Lea against Austin

  For the first time ever, the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce has challenged the Austin Area Chamber of Commerce to a food drive on behalf of the Salvation Army food shelves in both areas.

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• Small change can change lives with REA's Operation Round Up program

  Recognizing that the demand on area food shelves is great, especially this time of year, the Operation Round Up board of directors authorized an additional grant of $500 for emergency food supplies to the following food shelves: Steven’s County Food Shelf, Hearts and Hands Food Shelf, Outreach Food Shelf and the Grant County Food Shelf. The Long Prairie Food Pantry received an additional grant of $250.

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• Forest Lake students collect food for local families

  Nearly 2,300 food items and $600 were donated by Forest Lake High School and Century Junior High students during the FFA’s annual Adopt a Family Program.

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