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Pulling back the curtains on wage-theft enforcement in MN; Trump's latest attack is on RFK, Jr; NM LGBTQ+ equality group endorses 2024 'Rock Star' candidates; Michigan's youth justice reforms: Expanded diversion, no fees.

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Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg says rebuilding Baltimore's Key Bridge will be challenging and expensive. An Alabama Democrat flips a state legislature seat and former Connecticut senator Joe Lieberman dies at 82.

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Historic wildfires could create housing and health issues for rural Texans, a Kentucky program helps prison parolees start a new life, and descendants of Nicodemus, Kansas celebrate the Black settlers who journeyed across the 1870s plains seeking self-governance.

Senior Hunger Action Month in MD

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Tuesday, February 26, 2013   

BALTIMORE - One in five older Marylanders has trouble stretching a limited budget to put food on the table. That factoid is part of the Senior Hunger Action Month designation for February, and there's a tele-town hall meeting today to explain what help is available.

According to Jen Holz, outreach director for AARP Maryland, senior participation in the Food Supplement Program is low, even though the need is high.

"We did some research and we found the number of 50-plus adults suffering from food insecurity increased by 80 percent. It was a really staggering number," Holz said.

Cathy Demeroto, the director of Maryland Hunger Solutions, said there are several reasons why senior participation rates in the Food Supplement Program are low. Some people just don't know about the program, don't think they'll qualify, or think they'll have to go to an office and stand in line just to apply. Demeroto explained that it can all be done over the phone - but another stumbling block is pride, and that has to be acknowledged.

"You know, they've contributed their whole lives," Demeroto said. "They've worked and paid taxes, and that these social safety net programs are here for people faced with difficult times."

She says assistance may also be available through the Maryland Food Bank.

The tele-town hall begins at 10 a.m., with a focus on seniors in Garrett, Cecil, Harford, Frederick, Montgomery and Somerset counties. Seniors will be called in those counties and asked if they want to join the call. Others interested in finding out about benefits, such as the Food Supplement Program, can contact the Maryland Department of Human Resources.

About 280 seniors attended Senior Hunger Action Day in Elkton Monday to learn about available assistance.


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