Appendix E.2 Responses to Public Comments

APPENDIX E.2

RESPONSES TO PUBLIC COMMENTS

1. COMMENT from Cynthia Rodgers received 8/9/2011: “Elderly people are proud and do not want everyone to know that they are having a hard time buying food. I have seen bowls of water in refrigerators with lids used to pretend one has leftovers.

“1. The SNAP card should work and act like any other debit card. The grocery cashier does not care if one is using their capital one debit card or their chase debit card and should not know that the elderly customer is using a SNAP card. Elderly do want the cashier to say enter your food stamp pin number or swipe your food card or comment that a lot of people are using these food stamp cards these days.

“2. The food stamp eligibility should allow a credit of about $50 standard deduction per month and take into consideration mandatory payments to automobile insurance for those who live in states like Ohio that prosecute you if you drive without automobile insurance to get to your doctor appointments.

  “3. The food stamp eligibility should allow a credit of about $50 standard deduction per month and take into consideration mandatory payments to life insurance because it is in the government’s best interest that the elderly have $7000 of coverage so that they can be buried without being a burden on the state.

“4. The food stamp eligibility should allow a credit for the elderly who have a companion dog to keep them company in their old age even if they are not blind. Now this deduction only goes to those who are blind.

“5. The food stamp eligibility should consider that all elderly are entitled to their own snap card separate from those they live with because they eat different food because of their low salt diet, dentures, lack of teeth, stomach ailments and other conditions that always come with old age.

“6. Transportation to the grocery store should be provided to the poor elderly who are not disabled and have no car.

“7. A home health aide/food worker should be paid to shop for groceries and deliver them to the home bound just like the senior center delivers meals at noon for the homebound over age 60.

“8. Delivery of food such as milk, lettuce, potatoes, vegetables, fresh fruit, bread, eggs, applesauce, cereal, peanut butter, cheese and etc. should be made available to those who don't drive.

“9. In my town the IGA burnt down 4 years ago. The elderly who have trouble walking far distances cannot cross the highway State Route 60 to get to the Dollar General Store. The USDA should deliver food to those elderly who do not have a grocery store near them due to arson of their IGA. Most people have to send someone 14 miles away to get produce, meat and low costs foods. Some elderly do not have anyone to send.
“10. The food stamp eligibility could take into consideration that the landlord is receiving HUD section 8 payments of $50-$400 because the elderly has met all the requirements and has not permitted drug abuse in his apartment. Because of this the food stamp eligibility requirements should be changed so that the "contract rent amount" is used instead of reducing the food stamps by deducting the HUD benefit from the "contract rent". The offset reduces food stamps for the elderly who are reporting their income and abiding by the rules.

“11. Banks should mail out ‘Notice of Potential Eligibility’ papers so elderly account holders are notified that when their balance falls below $2000 they might be eligible for food stamps.

“12. County treasurers should mail out ‘Notice of Potential Eligibility’ papers so elderly home owners are notified that even though they own a home they might be eligible for food stamps.

“13. County title office clerks and BMV could hand out ‘Notice of Potential Eligibility’ papers to elderly car owners getting license plates on cars notifying them that even though they own a car they still might be eligible for food stamps.

“14. I helped 2 illiterate elderly people apply for SSI this year who should have been getting it for the last 7-15 years. Many elderly are living in poverty and are not telling anyone how poor they are. The IRS, SSA, SSI and Medicaid office knows which of the elderly are poor and should give this info to the USDA or automatically send them a SNAP card with $50-$100 a month benefits preloaded and SSI/food stamp applications are sent to the poor RSDI recipients who reach age 60.”

1a.) RESPONSE from Bob Dalrymple on 8/11/2011: FNS has noted the experience of the commenter.

2. COMMENT from Jean Public received 8/10/11: “This is no time to pursue this program. This program should get a zero budget. This program should be shut down.”

2a.) RESPONSE from Bob Dalrymple on 8/11/2011: FNS has noted that this commenter does not support this program.

3. COMMENT from Pat Royer received 8/11/2011: “We are not considered one of the “pilot” projects relating to the July 29 SNAP Federal Registry update but thought you may be interested in our usage level.

“We operate a Senior Nutrition Program for Menominee Delta and Schoolcraft Counties in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. We encourage the use of bridge cards with our seniors to assist them in making their meal donations. So far this FY we have collected almost $9,300 in bridge card usage.  The use of the bridge card allows home bound seniors the opportunity to donate to their meal program. At our onsite congregate level they can use their bridge card to make their donation and use their cash for personal needed items.

“We as a program appreciate the opportunity as we are receiving donations for meals that a senior would not be able to donate for.

“Win-win for all!

“Thank you for the opportunity to relay our experience.”

3a.) RESPONSE from Bob Dalrymple on 8/11/2011: FNS has noted the experience and support of the commenter.