FORK steps in to feed area kids as SNAP payments stall

Issues $45K in grocery vouchers

With Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits still in limbo, Feed Our Rural Kids (FORK) has begun distributing funds for local families who may be struggling to feed their children.

FORK announced last week it would distribute up to $45,000 worth of FORK Now and FORK Extra grocery vouchers to children being denied SNAP benefits.

SNAP acts as a critical food support system for children across the country, including more than 5,000 people in Vilas and Oneida counties.

FORK is stepping in to help alleviate the stress on some of those families who are part of the Northland Pines, Three Lakes and Phelps school districts to recoup some of the delayed benefits.

Perry Pokrandt, FORK president, said that families who are eligible to receive these vouchers should have received an email from their school district (Northland Pines, Three Lakes or Phelps) last Friday with instructions on how to claim the benefit.

“The districts will only send one email, and parents must respond to that email with their name, address and children’s names to verify,” Pokrandt explained. “Those emails must be responded

Social Services is assisting FORK with this endeavor by verifying families are eligible before FORK sends out the vouchers. Pokrandt noted that in order to receive their vouchers, families must respond to that email before Nov. 14 so Social Services has time to confirm.

Included with the vouchers, FORK also will provide information for first-time food pantry users on how to sign up for an additional $50 grocery gift card once they visit either the Headwaters, Three Lakes or Vilas County food pantry.

That means many families will be eligible for up to $150 in vouchers.

“The average SNAP benefit amount is $160 per child in Wisconsin,” Pokrandt said. “With what we’re doing, we are making these families whole.”

FORK Now is a collaboration with local school districts and Vilas County Department of Health Services, while FORK Extra works to bring families together with area food pantries.

Can’t do it alone

FoodShare, which is Wisconsin’s SNAP program, is 100% funded by the federal government. Due to the shutdown, the USDA said funds are not available for the month of November.

Pokrandt hopes and expects the shutdown will end soon and benefits will resume, but he also worries what happens to these families if it continues.
“If you believe in the cause to help these kids, now’s a good time to support them,” he said.

Anyone who would like to help support FORK’s mission of providing food for children experiencing food insecurity are encouraged to donate. FORK is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so all donations are tax deductible.

Donations can be made online by visiting feedourruralkids.org or by sending checks to: Feed Our Rural Kids, Inc., 4887 Echo Ridge Dr., Eagle River, WI 54521.