An Alaska Senate committee heard a bill this week intended to ease access to the state's federal food aid program.
A pair of bills before lawmakers would make systemic changes to the way the state’s food stamp program processes applications and could expand access to food aid for Alaskans.
It would also increase the amount of money Alaskans can make and still receive benefits and eliminate an asset requirement that prevented food aid recipients from accumulating more than $2,750 in savings. Hunger advocates say savings are important to breaking the cycle of poverty and getting Alaskans out of the program.
Eddy Ezell, from the Mat-Su Food Bank, said he used to see up to 100 patrons daily, but that number has risen up to about 150 patrons a day. He urged lawmakers to make the change. Erin Walker-Tolles, director of Catholic Community Services in Juneau, said the bill would increase access to food assistance for vulnerable seniors like those her organization serves hot meals. She said her clients often have to choose between food and other expenses, like medication, heat or rent.
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