Projo 7 to 7 News Blog

Journal photo / Bob Thayer
Advocates for the needy demonstrate at the George Wiley Center in Pawtucket.

PAWTUCKET -- Antipoverty advocates are again urging Governor Carcieri to improve the food stamp program. The state needs 40 more workers, they say.

The governor should restore budget cuts to school breakfast programs and the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, and shorten the application form from 28 to 4 pages, similar to forms used by Massachusetts, Maine and California.

Advocates with the George Wiley Center asked for the changes outside the center's Pawtucket headquarters.
"This is so heavy," said advocate Maggie Rogers, holding aloft a Rhode Island application form. "This is daunting. People take one look at this ... and they are overwhelmed."

Last month, the Department of Human Services promised to hire nine workers for its nutrition assistance program, formerly known as the food stamp program. The agency also plans to shorten the application form for the elderly and extend benefits.

But the state needs at least 40 new workers to meet the growing demand for help, advocates said. The state should also offer a shorter application form to all residents, not just the elderly, they said.

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