Domestic hunger relief organization Feeding America announced that it received a $1 million grant from the Bank of America Charitable Foundation to help low-income Americans connect with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as the Food Stamp Program.
The funds will help Feeding America food banks widen access and provide pre-screening and application assistance for low-income clients who seek emergency food assistance and are eligible for SNAP but are not yet participating.
"In light of the recent current economic downturn, and consequently a significant increase in the number of people who are in need of help, SNAP outreach is one of the most important things we can do to ensure that no American goes to bed hungry at night," said Feeding America president and chief executive Vicki Escarra.
A recent report released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture found that only 66 percent of people who were eligible for SNAP received benefits in 2007, and that participation rates were as low as 42 percent in some states.
Last year, Bank of America gave over $2.5 million in grant money to Feeding America and member food banks, and more than 1,200 Bank of America employees donated 3,700 hours to the Feeding America network.
"Ensuring vulnerable populations have access to basic services is a critical component to revitalizing our nation’s economy," said Bank of America Charitable Foundation president Kerry Sullivan.
Feeding America is the country’s largest domestic hunger relief organization. It was founded over 30 years ago as America’s Second Harvest, and changed its name in September 2008. It provides hunger relief to more than 25 million Americans each year, including more than 9 million children and almost 3 million seniors.