Maplewood shares Wisconsin’s Food Share program

According to Wisconsin’s division of AARP there are 16 counties that are a part of a food bank program. In Wisconsin, there are over 220,000 people over the age of 65 that are eligible for Food Share, which is called Wisconsin’s SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), yet there are only about 40,000 enrolled in the program. The lack of knowledge, guideline eligibility, stigma, and confusion on application has kept many eligible seniors from participating in this program. The Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin, which has a long standing relationship with AARP, is piloting a senior outreach effort to address any issues that may hinder enrollment.

From Wisconsin’s AARP single effort of contacting members in these 16 counties, they have had more than 900 calls requesting information on SNAP and assisted more than 575 households to connect with benefits.

Here are a few members who are now enjoying the benefits of the SNAP program.

* A 60 year old man out of work.

* A 55 year old woman, working a job for $8.50 an hour qualified for at least $100.00 a month in Foodshare benefits.

* An 81 year old woman living only on her social security, with $565.00 a month medical bills.

* And the list goes on for those who have heard of the program.

If you or someone you know would like information or to apply for FoodShare benefits call

800 362-3002 or you can check it out on Second Harvest Food Bank Website.