Opinion

[Print]  [Email]        

Order food stamps online

By: Brent Begin

07/02/09 5:32 PM PDT

Mayor Gavin Newsom applied for food stamps on a new city Web site Wednesday. The millionaire mayor was rejected, of course, uh… we hope.

The Web site www.benefitsSF.org is a link to food stamps for San Francisco residents. Officials from the county Human Services Agency hope to provide more social services online in the future. Applicants fill out an online application and sign it without having to stand in line or wait on the phone.

The site provides “confidentiality and confidence” as well, Newsom said, allowing recipients to apply without the “stigma” of food stamps attached. The City has been on the forefront of changing the food stamp process, even providing an electronic card that lets recipients order food at restaurants. This Website was built with a $1 million federal grant.

There’s also a Web cam that allows welfare recipients to interview and see if they are eligible for Medi-Cal and Food Stamps. Newsom demonstrated the process to reporters Thursday by filling out a fake application. When asked if he had any children, Newsom said no, but said that would change in 90 days.

Food stamp recipients spend about $4.4 million every month in The City, according to Human Services Agency head Trent Rhorer.





To view this site, you need to have Flash Player 8.0 or later installed. Click here to get the latest Flash player.


Most Popular Headlines





 


 



 

Reader Comments

All comments on this page are subject to our Terms of Use and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Examiner or its staff. Comment box is limited to 250 words.

Post a comment


Email:
(This will not be displayed or shared. Privacy Policy)

Display Name:

Comment:




Sports

Cardinal has Luck going into Big Game showdown

Though he’s just a redshirt freshman, Andrew Luck... Full story

Entertainment

Reno Santa event inspired by SF revelers

About 5,000 Santa costume-clad folks are expected to... Full story

Entertainment

Scoop: Is J. Lo having ex tailed?

Is Jennifer Lopez playing hardball in her battle with... Full story