Changes at FoodLink
Group to distribute fliers on ID needed to receive aid

By Aldrich Tan/Staff Writer

August 2, 2005

FoodLink of Tulare County distributes thousands of pounds of free food to low-income families in Visalia each year through the Manuel Hernandez Community Center.

But head volunteer Rowena Cranston said she has discovered that some of those families have not been attaining their federal allocations honestly. While entering data into her computer last year, she discovered about 100 program participants had the same social security numbers.

In February 2004, Cranston approached one such participant.

"He blatantly admitted that he had copied the number off a woman as she signed her form acknowledging her need for the food," she said.

Since the incident, and in subsequent meetings with its volunteers on how to tighten controls, FoodLink has come out with a flier that lists the types of proper identification necessary to receive free food, spokesperson Tara Williams said.

The flier will be distributed throughout the community in public areas such as Laundromats to help families be aware of identification procedures before the distributions happen, Williams said.

To participate in the program, families must provide proof of residency, such as a child's social security number, FoodLink director Sandy Beals said. But each distribution site can have additional requirements, she said.

Cranston said she wants absolute proof, such as a

See Food/3C

Acceptable forms of ID

To qualify for monthly food distribution from FoodLink, participants must meet specific salary and household-size guidelines.

They must also bring proof of residency that shows a Visalia address.

Examples include:

Student identification card

Matricula consular

State identification card

Driver's license

Rent receipt

Utility bill

Envelope or letter with address

Legal residence card

Check stub

FoodLink of Tulare County

Income qualifications

The monthly distribution held at the Manuel Hernandez Center is held every fourth Thursday of the month. Participants are eligible based on income and household size:

Household size Monthly income

1 $1,044

2 $1,407

3 $1,769

4 $2,132

5 $2,495

6 $2,856

7 $3,219

8 $3,582

9 $3,944

10 $4,307

10+ Add $363 each extra member

Steve R. Fujimoto/Times-Delta

Fouchoy Choa of Visalia puts together an order Wednesday at FoodLink of Tulare County for delivery.
Section: Local
Page: 1C

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