In November 2011, Brian Williams and NBC’s “Rock Center” traveled to Idaho to report on an explosion of middle-class families who need food stamps.  Idaho families shared stories of hardship and the issue of food access due to congestion at grocery stores – even in the wee hours of the morning.

Since it began in the 1960s, the Food Stamp program has become the largest nutrition and food assistance effort in the nation.  It serves over 46 million Americans a month, including more than 229,535 Idahoans in July 2012.

The Food Stamp program works thanks to a unique public/private partnership between the U.S. Department of Agriculture, state agencies and local grocers.  It efficiently delivers safe, healthy, affordable food to those who need assistance.

There are more people in need than ever before.  The up-and-down economy has created severe hardship, and food stamps are a critical safety net to help put people back on their feet during an extended period of unemployment, expensive medical disability or other problems.

Most states distribute food stamp benefits over several days each month.  Idaho is one of only eight states that chose one-day distribution each month.  While advocates and community groups strongly support the Food Stamp Program, we have serious concerns about how the State of Idaho distributes benefits.

Long lines create barriers for all Idahoans.  It is particularly hard for those who cannot wait in line, including seniors, those with disabilities and those with small children.

The negative perception some people have of those using food stamp benefits as a result of the long lines on the first day of each month stigmatizes those who must use food stamps, and is not good for our communities.

Carts are left unattended when people grow frustrated by long lines, resulting in food spoilage, which we find unacceptable.

Small, rural grocers often lack refrigeration capacity to store enough meat and produce to meet the needs for all customers on the first day of the month.

The USDA strongly encourages the staggered issuance of food stamp benefits, and in February sent a letter to all states clarifying its position.  According to the USDA, “…issuing SNAP(Supplemental Food Assistance Program) benefits on a single day or over a limited number of days, instead of staggered issuance over the month, puts an unnecessary strain on SNAP clients and participating retailers by causing surges in customer traffic at SNAP-authorized stores.”

Idaho had multi-day distribution of food stamp benefits until mid-2009.  While the change to a one-day schedule may have seemed like a sound business decision, it has had negative unintended consequences for all Idahoans.

The Idaho Food Stamp program is otherwise a very well-run program. It will receive federal bonuses this year for payment accuracy and timeliness.  That is why Idaho grocers felt comfortable committing $100,000 toward the transition back to staggered issuance, and a sound transition for all customers.

The idea has broad support.  Earlier this month, a coalition of community organizations and volunteers spent one day at five grocery stores around Idaho.  In just a few hours, they collected hundreds of signatures from people supporting staggered issuance, including those receiving food stamp benefits.  More signatures come in each day via our website  www.change.org/ petitions/stagger-food-stamp- issuance-in-idaho.  The issue is clear:  Single day issuance of food stamp benefits is causing unnecessary stress on participants, Idaho customers and retailers.

The solution is clear:  Return to staggered issuance to benefit Idahoans in need, as well as all Idaho families and businesses.

We urge the state to fix the food situation in Idaho.