ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Monday, March 3, 1997 TAG: 9703030099
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-6 EDITION: METRO
NO SOUP lines have formed on the streets of Roanoke and other communities in this region, and we don't expect to see them. But charitable organizations - the Salvation Army, the Rescue Mission and others - that provide food for the needy are likely to see an increase in their clientele, the hungry.
Hundreds of unemployed individuals, 200 in Roanoke city alone, were served notice last week that they're no longer eligible for federal food stamps. And they're just the first wave of those who will become ineligible as social-service departments begin monthly case reviews. By year's end, an estimated 1million people nationwide will be affected by the food-stamp cutoff for the jobless.
Initially, at least, the unemployed who have children, are disabled or are 50 or older will not be affected. States can also seek exemptions for food-stamp recipients in high-unemployment areas. Virginia has requested exemptions for nine counties, mostly in the coal region of Far Southwest.
President Clinton is also seeking a waiver for the unemployed who are actively looking for work. But congressional Republicans have indicated they're not keen to make any more modifications. Even if the president is successful, it still will mean that thousands soon will be unsure where their next meal is coming from. Other expected changes in food-stamp eligibility could eventually affect many more, including the working poor with children.
Is it necessary - this cutback in the 35-year-old food-stamp program, long considered the most basic safety net for the poor?
From the standpoint of keeping welfare reform on target, it is: Reductions in the food-stamp program are expected to provide half the projected $54 billion in welfare savings over the next five years. Possibly, too, it's necessary to restore public confidence in whatever eventually remains of the program. Food stamps are among those frequently cited as being rife with fraud and abuse, sometimes by unscrupulous storeowners, but also by recipients.
The premises behind this first round of cutbacks is that able-bodied adults without children should be working, and that it neither serves them nor society to allow them to drift into the ranks of the permanently unemployed by freeloading on the food-stamp program. Few would disagree.
But it should also be recognized that many people are unemployed for long periods through no fault of their own. While states are expected to take steps - job training, for example - to help more of them find work, there will always be some in this category. Many others are in for a difficult period of transition, a period when they have no place to turn for food except the kitchens of the Rescue Missions and Salvation Army.
Many charitable organizations, including churches, will do all they can to take up the slack. But they will not be able to meet increased demands without increased public support. Those sitting tonight at bountiful dinners should consider contributions to charities that are helping those for whom life has not brought such plenty.
LENGTH: Medium: 55 linesby CNB