December 6, 2006

In an effort to reach out to Catawba County citizens who may be eligible for food assistance through the Food Stamp program, the Catawba County Department of Social Services has opened a satellite office in South Newton at the Eastern Catawba County Cooperative Christian Ministries. The office is located at 245 E. N Street in Newton, adjacent to the Agricultural Resource Center.

Social Services staff will be at the office to accept applications for Food Assistance every Wednesday from 8:30 am until 11:30 am and from 1:00 pm until 4:30 pm.

“The Food Assistance (Food Stamp) Unit of Social Services has been doing outreach in the community to try and reach folks that may be eligible for our program, who either have not applied or just don't know they may be eligible,” said Julie Raper, Supervisor of the Social Services Food Assistance Unit. “We have set up an office at the Eastern Catawba Cooperative Christian Ministries so we can accept Food Assistance applications there on site.”

The Food Assistance Program is designed to promote the general welfare and safeguard the health and well being of the nation's population by raising the levels of nutrition among low-income households. Anyone may apply for food assistance. Eligibility criteria will be discussed during the interview process.

“The three main areas of eligibility for Food Assistance are household size, resources and household income,” Raper said. “Once a caseworker has determined that a household meets each of these eligibility factors, shelter and utility expenses will be considered. Other deductions that may be allowed, depending on the circumstances of a given case, are childcare expenses, legally-ordered child support payments and medical deductions.”

Those who come to either the main Social Services office at 3050 11th Avenue Dr. SE in Hickory or the new Food Assistance satellite office at the Eastern Catawba County Cooperative Christian Ministries will need to bring the following information in order for staff to determine eligibility:

· Identification, such as a valid driver's license or ID card

· Social Security Cards for all members of a household included in the Food Assistance program

· Verification of all income for members of a household included in the Food Assistance program

· Verification of rent or mortgage expenses

· Verification of utility expenses (electric bill, water bill, telephone bill, etc.)

· Information regarding all resources (bank accounts, 401(k), vehicles, burial plots, etc.)

· Proof of medical expenses for household members receiving Social Security disability, or who are age 60 and older.

Additional information may be needed and will be discussed during the interview.

For more information on applying for Food Assistance, or about the Department of Social Services’ new satellite office for Food Assistance at the Eastern Catawba County Cooperative Christian Ministries office at 245 E. N Street in Newton, you may call the Food Assistance Office at 828-695-4419.