Lone Star card helps families struggling with rising food costs
By SHARON KERR Staff Writer

As gas prices drive food prices ever higher, people trying to make ends meet should look at the new version of food stamps, the Lone Star card.

Shanna Fuller, outreach coordinator for DETCOG, says there are many myths and misconceptions about this program that is designed to provide nutritional assistance for low-income people.

"Lone Star works like a debit card and replaces paper food stamp coupons," Fuller said. "It's more discreet because some people don't want anyone to think they need help.

"They shouldn't feel that way because the program is not just for people on welfare, it's also for working people who are having trouble making ends meet and for the disabled or elderly living on fixed incomes," Fuller said.

To try to educate people, DETCOG is organizing a Did You Know campaign to raise awareness about the food stamp program. Flyers will be distributed at grocery stores and dollar stores, the places where food is sold and the Lone Star card is accepted. The card can be used for anything edible, but not for other things like paper towels or hygiene items, and not for fast foods.

"We do outreach programs at churches and senior centers, we even go to clients' homes, to help them fill out the paperwork to qualify for the program," Fuller said.

At a recent meeting in Austin, other outreach coordinators in the cities said they issue bus tokens, and that solves the problem of getting clients into their offices.

"We don't have that option," Fuller tried to explain, "and we don't have any other alternatives either. If people don't have a family member with a car or someone in their church who will bring them, we have to go to them."

"It's important in a rural area like Jasper because many people don't have a way to come to our office, or the time to come if they are working. Even though the forms are user friendly, if you miss one question you can be denied or lose time resubmitting your forms to get approved," Fuller said.

Fuller said people who receive food stamps still qualify for other supplements like Meals-on- Wheels, child nutrition programs like school meals, and WIC supplements (Women, Infants and Children USDA food program).

Help wanted

Like so many program in East Texas, volunteers are the grease that keeps the wheels turning. Fuller said she needs volunteers to help with the outreach campaigns.

"If people could give us a few hours to help educate people on a weekend, to pass out flyers or contact their church members, we could reach more people," Fuller said. "We're really trying, and this program through DETCOG works. We're are in our third year and we have helped almost 200 people with direct application assistance, and thousands more with information. But we know there are many more who don't know about this, don't know they could be helped."

Fuller said that even though her primary mission is food stamp program education, she is a resource for other programs and can point people in the right direction.

"We helped one lady who was bedridden and on a fixed income. She asked for food stamp assistance on her application, but we were also able to help her find a house and then get some home help through Medicaid. We have so many resources, but first we have to find the people and get them qualified."

She says one thing keeps her going, in what is often a difficult job: "It's the most gratification you will ever know when you can help someone and they say thank you."

For more information about the program or to volunteer to help others, call Fuller at 384-5704.