Letter to the editor: Food stamp problems have been solved for this writer

I just wanted to let you know that my $63 in Food Stamp benefits has been restored. My doctor wrote a letter on my behalf, stating that it was necessary for me to eat fresh fruits and vegetables to control my diabetes. A Social Security employee called social services on my behalf.

I want to thank the people who contacted me who thought these rules are outrageous, in the face of rising prices, whereas my Social Security benefits are not increasing.

Democratic Sen. Kent Conrad made some phone calls on my behalf in regard to restoring my Food Stamp eligibility. He went a step further to see about my getting necessary home repairs and major appliances.

My caseworker, in spite of the laws and rules mandates by the state and federal government, found a way to find me eligible for the maximum amount. The $63 was restored, for a total of $162 monthly Food Stamps. She went beyond her job description to personally help me get a cook stove.

I especially want to thank the newspapers that ran this story. It only goes to show there is power with the people, but only if people are informed. We need to know what is happening to each other, because we are our brother’s keeper, if we are to survive the hard times that are coming.

Janis Schmidt

Warwick, N.D.

Tags: foodstamps, socialsecurity, benefits