University student Scott Wells used to be embarrassed when he bought groceries with his food stamps card. Now, two years after starting on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Wells sees it more as a reward for working hard.
“To use the benefits, you have to be working and a student,” Wells said. “I am basically a model citizen.”
Wells is just one of many students who are on the SNAP program while attending school, and he thinks more students should take advantage of the benefits.
Currently the program is only eligible to students who work more than 20 hours a week or are on a work-study program, but Wells thinks the program should change this.
“I know a lot of people who don’t work full-time and could use this program,” Wells said. “It’s free, and it saves money — everyone could use that.”
In May 2009, about 602,000 Oregonians in 313,000 households received food benefits. In September of this year, 39,369 Eugene residents in 23,938 households received food benefits — an increase of more than 5,000 households from September of last year.
This spike in recipients is something Fil Soriano, self-sufficiency program manager, has generally seen. Soriano works in the offices located on Chad Drive in Eugene and says not many students frequent its location.
“We are rather far from campus,” Soriano said. “More student apply at the West 11th site.”
Gay Rockwell, a self-sufficiency line manager on Willamette, could not directly say there has been in increase in student applications, but said that’s because there is no way to track the numbers.
“From what I have seen at my branch, and I have been here for a long time now, there isn’t too much of a difference in the amount of students coming in,” Rockwell said. “It is all about if they meet the criteria to receive the benefits.”
To apply, each student must fill out an application form and provide proof of a 20-hour work week or work-study program, and undergo an interview process to determine the eligibility and amount of benefits they could receive.
“It’s not a cut-and-dry process,” Rockwell said. “There are always so many factors to take into consideration, but if you come in and apply, we will see what we can do.”
In November of 2007, Wells did just that, and has been receiving benefits since then. At each six-month mark, Wells is required to update his status and then reapply every year.
Applying for the SNAP program isn’t as hard as one would think, Wells said. The application requires basic background information and living situation statuses. Along with this form, Wells said he had to bring in proof of his financial aid standings and pay
stub photocopies.
After a short interview process, Wells said he waited a few months to hear from a
Department of Human Services representative in Lane County and was then rewarded $150 per month.
“Last year (2008), I got $200 plus an additional $100 for (taking care of) my brother,” Wells said. “So, a total of about $300 a month.”
In Oregon, students are able to receive their benefits through the state’s Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) system and by using an Oregon Trail Card at grocery store card-scanning devices. Wells says that almost every grocery store in town has this device and uses it every time he purchases food.
“I know so many kids who use their stamp money to buy Slurpees and junk food,” Wells said. “They let you get away with a lot, but I feel like I’m cheating the program that way.”
With an EBT card, a person is able to purchase such items as cereal, fruit, vegetables, meat and dairy products. One thing not on the list: hot food items.
With all its limitations and guidelines, Rockwell said the program cannot be changed at the local level.
“There’s a rule book,” Rockwell said. “The important thing is that people should come in, and we will see what help we can give them.”
While working a 20-hour week at Toys ‘R’ Us, and as full-time psychology and business student, Wells juggles a busy schedule and is looking to go to graduate school next year, but with the benefits he receives, life is just a little bit easier.
Number of people using food stamps
- Nationally: 28,409,880 persons in 2008
- Oregon: 645,234 persons in September 2009
- Eugene: 39,369 persons in September 2009
*Numbers collected from the Oregon Department of Human Services and the United States Department of Agriculture
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