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State Representative John Benson
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-9934
For more information contact: Charlene Briner 651-296-5809
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REP. BENSON JOINS LAWMAKERS TO IMPROVE ACCESS TO FOOD SUPPORT
ST. PAUL – State Rep. John Benson joined fellow lawmakers today to introduce legislation to modify food support requirements that benefit Minnesota families and seniors. Food support helps low- income people buy nutritious food at local grocers and markets.
"Our senior often suffer most because of struggles to balance high heating costs, rising property taxes, and prescription drug costs on fixed incomes," said Benson at a news conference to introduce the legislation. "Food support programs can eliminate the choice between filling prescriptions or having enough food to eat."
Food shelf usage in Minnesota has increased by nearly 50% since 2000. Nearly 200,000 Minnesotans are eligible for federally funded food support, but don't enroll either because they're not aware of the program, don't know they're eligible or are overwhelmed by the burdensome paperwork involved. Currently food support participation in Minnesota ranks in the bottom third of all states.
"My wife is a nutritionist who has spent the last 30 years educating me about the value of good nutrition for children, for seniors and other vulnerable people," said Benson. "I think I get it, and now it's time for Minnesota to get it and to get on with it."
You may contact Rep. Benson at (651) 296- 0141, 517 State Office Building, 100 Martin Luther King Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155 or via e-mail at rep.john.benson@house.mn
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