Highlights July 3 2003

USDA announced grants totaling over $5 million for improvements in the Food Stamp application process and identifying and eliminating barriers to participation. Grantees from New Jersey, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Virginia, and Wisconsin. (Source: FRAC News Digest 6/26/03)
Florida, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania approved by USDA and Social Security Administration (SSA) for the Combined Application Project (CAP). In CAP states, individuals who live alone and receive SSI can file an application for food stamps at their local Social Security offices. A computer program integrates simplified food stamp rules with SSA data, eliminating need for multiple interviews, lengthy forms and trips to different offices. (Source: FRAC News Digest 6/26/03)
"The Shape We're In" Robert Wood Johnson Foundation initiative includes five-part newspaper series to promote public awareness of the need for physical activity and dangers of obesity.
Feeding Florida: Responses to Hunger in the Sunshine State discusses six federally funded programs designed to bring hunger relief. (Source: FRAC News Digest 6/13/03)
Mixed salad of food-safety rules ripe for confusion at farmers markets. (Source: ADA Knowledge Center 6/18/03)
Operation Liberty Shield: New Food Security Guidance. The Food and Drug Administration announced availability of four guidance documents to help manufacturers minimize risk of tampering or other malicious, criminal or terrorist actions. FDA has increased surveillance of domestic and imported foods and enhanced collaboration with other government agencies.
Cora Brand Paprika (possible Salmonella contamination) (Source: FDA News Digest 6/16/03)
Productos Real "Real Guacamole" (possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination) (Source: FDA Digest 6/23/03)
FDA warns consumers not to buy or use SIGRA, STAMINA Rx, STAMINA Rx for Women, Y-Y, Spontane ES, and Uroprin, all marketed as dietary supplements by NVE Inc. The products are being sold over the counter with claims to increase stamina, confidence and performance. (Source: FDA Digest 6/23/03)

DASH Eating Plan (5/2003). A diet plan to reduce blood pressure. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (301) 592 8573.
Food for Thought a monthly newsletter highlighting activities of the Monterey County Senior Nutrition Programs. Monterey County Area Agency on Aging. (800) 510-2020.
Food Safety Mini-Posters from the National Food Service Management Institute. (800) 321-3054.
IFAS Extension Bookstore. Nutrition education resources in CD ROM software. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Gainesville. (352) 392-1764.
Questions and Answers for Food Workers and Managers Regarding Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) (5/2003) from the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition.
Supporting Working Caregivers: A Self-Assessment Tool for Community Agencies. For companies, nonprofits and government agencies to evaluate caregiver assistance activities. National Association of Area Agencies on Aging. (800) 677-1116.