I do not object to public assistance programs. The press should make an effort to keep the public informed on how these programs are working.
As the years go by, it seems that a greater part of the population may rely on these programs.
In the news:
Dec 16, 2024 KIRO 7 News
Rat infestation ravages food supplies for hungry kids in South Kitsap
“But the service that these backpacks provide is no laughing matter. VanRavenhorst started Backpacks for Kids 17 years ago.”
“I learned that there were kids locally who just didn’t have enough food to eat on the weekends,” she said. “And I thought that there was something we could do about that.”
If various public assistance programs have been established and there are:
“…kids locally who just didn’t have enough food to eat on the weekends.”
What is going on?
A few of the government programs available:
“SNAP provides food benefits to low-income families to supplement their grocery budget so they can afford the nutritious food essential to health and well-being.”
“The WIC food packages provide supplemental foods designed to address the specific nutritional needs of income-eligible pregnant, breastfeeding, and non-breastfeeding postpartum individuals, infants, and children up to five years of age who are at nutritional risk.”
What is an EBT card?
“If you receive cash or food assistance, you will get a Washington Quest Electronic Benefits Transfer Card or Washington Quest EBT Card. Use this card like a debit card for purchases at participating stores for food or other purchases. You can also use this card to withdraw cash benefits at an ATM. You’ll need to know your four-digit Personal Identification Number or PIN to use your card.”
Local gas station promotes the program:
WA State Food Assistance Program (FAP)
“FAP is the state food assistance program that provides benefits to legal immigrants who are not eligible for the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), called Basic Food in Washington, solely because of immigration status.”
THE EMERGENCY FOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (TEFAP)
“WSDA Food Assistance (FA) manages TEFAP, receiving food and operational funding from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for distribution to 19 TEFAP Lead Agencies statewide. These hunger-relief organizations have an Agreement with FA and then enter into Sub Agency Agreements with local food pantries and meal programs to provide TEFAP food to more than 300 food pantries, shelters, and meal providers in Washington. They serve hungry lower-income children, adults, elderly, and the homeless.”
Perhaps a large amount of public funds go to operate these programs and kids still don’t have enough to eat on weekends?
If these programs aren’t getting the job done, the public should be informed on this.
Other programs not getting the job done
Love to see newspeople ask:
Were US drug overdose death numbers higher before the US Dept. of Homeland Security was established (2002) or are the numbers higher with a $51.6 billion (every 12 months) US Dept. of Homeland Security in place? This giant federal agency now has more than two decades of experience and lessons learned in working to prevent cartel product from entering the US. More overdose deaths now, or before DHS?
The US Dept. of Homeland Security
A $51.6 billion (every 12 months) US Dept. of Homeland Security that creates no shortage of cartel product anywhere in the US. More than two decades of lessons learned since 911. What got better?
Press releases Re: Airport Security Screening
Would any newsperson ever ask:
What keeps the terrorists of the GWOT from creating a disruption at the back end of the screening line?
Imagine the TV newsperson, on camera, escorting the TSA official all the way to the back of the “be sure to arrive early line” and asking what keeps the bad guys from creating a disruption at that point.
“If You See Something, Say Something®” – Just a slogan?
Welcome Home Troops
Thanks for doing time/risking your ass in Iraq and Afghanistan, working to keep a post 911 USA safe & secure.
Don’t worry-The Super Bowl and public affairs will be safe:
The US Dept. of Defense
Generals and high level DOD civilians are not good at wining wars. They get promoted anyway.
Elected officials tell us The Troops are in distant lands defending American rights and freedoms.
CNN Nov 11, 2023
Biden honors Americans who ‘stood on the front lines of freedom’ in Veterans Day remarks
Sorry, no newspeople available to ask:
Mr President,
Going back to the 1990 Operation Desert Shield,
How would American freedoms today be any different if US troops were never sent to Iraq?
Tax money-which some people intend to be used to help others via public assistance programs-has also gone for bombing Iraq and Afghanistan.
Helping others by donating to churches or private charities, food banks, etc. can avoid these conflicts.
Donors are free to opt out if a charity misbehaves.
People could keep more of their own money to donate to causes of their choosing if the federal government was not taking it to pay for wasteful programs.
More here:
Related:
Are Public Assistance Programs Working?
Measurable Results Not Required In Exchange For Public Funding
More Homeland Security – More Puget Sound Drugs?
Photo-
Admiralty Head Light with a nice Christmas wreath.