Cuts to SNAP Food Program Would Be Devastating for Struggling Older Adults

This morning, the National Council on Aging (NCOA) joined members of Congress, Feeding America, the Food Research and Action Center, advocates, and representatives from dozens of national organizations to oppose $16 billion in cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, (SNAP). NCOA Media Contact: Ken Schwartz, Director of Marketing & Communications, 202-600-3131, ken.schwartz@ncoa.org.

Washington, D.C., USA - July 12, 2012 -- This morning, the National Council on Aging (NCOA) joined members of Congress, Feeding America, the Food Research and Action Center, advocates, and representatives from dozens of national organizations to oppose $16 billion in cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) included in the proposed House Agriculture Committee Farm Bill reauthorization. The Committee is expected to vote on the legislation tomorrow.

Nearly 3 million older adults receive SNAP, and 80% of them live alone. SNAP makes nutritious food more affordable for these vulnerable seniors, reducing health costs by helping them manage and prevent chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension.

Yet, due to inadequate outreach and enrollment, only 1 in 3 seniors who qualifies for SNAP actually receives this valuable benefit.

“These cuts would be catastrophic for vulnerable older adults and their families,” said NCOA President & CEO Jim Firman. “93% of SNAP benefits go to households below the poverty line, and 76% of SNAP households include an elderly person, child, or disabled person. Taking food out of the mouths of people living at or near the poverty level is unconscionable act, especially when the unemployment rate is so high.”

In addition to keeping individuals safe and well-fed, SNAP is a well-established and efficient way to stimulate local economies. Every $1 worth of SNAP benefits in an eligible recipient’s pocket turns into a $1.73 benefit to local communities via grocery stores, farm stands, or even Wal-Mart. Without SNAP and other federal benefits, millions of vulnerable older adults will be forced to make a grim choice between buying groceries or filling prescriptions; putting food on the table or paying utility bills.

NCOA is encouraging older adults, their families, and caregivers to call on Congress to oppose these drastic cuts. Concerned advocates can call toll-free 1-877-698-8228 today to be connected to their Representative’s office and ask them to vote NO on proposed SNAP cuts in the Farm Bill.


Read this and other NCOA releases at http://www.wilcoareatimes.com. (Category Seniors)

Media Contact:
Gail Duncan
Wilco Area Times
120 Nolan Dr.
Georgetown, TX 78633
512-818-7519
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FPL and the Loggerhead Marinelife Center Partner to Rescue Sea Turtles Tilly and Kahuna

"There's nothing better than witnessing a rehabbed sea turtle as it disappears into the surf," said Amy Albury, director of sustainability, FPL. "If the sick turtles we find could talk, they would tell you that without the help of FPL and the Loggerhead Marinelife Center, they probably wouldn't have survived much longer in the open ocean."

Juno Beach, FL (July 12, 2012) -- With names like Kahuna and Tilly, you would think they would be hanging out with characters like Moondoggie in a Gidget movie, but that’s where any similarities would end.

Tilly and Kahuna are two loggerhead sea turtles. They are linked to one another because they were both recovered from a canal at Florida Power & Light Company’s St. Lucie Nuclear plant by onsite biologists and then sent to the Loggerhead Marinelife Center (LMC) in Juno Beach, Fla., for rehabilitation and recently released.

Tilly, a teenager in turtle years, was severely anemic, dehydrated, hypoglycemic and suffered from other maladies when admitted to LMC in April 2012. Kahuna, one of LMC’s longest admission-to-recovery residents, appeared to be suffering from every surfer’s worse nightmare when she was admitted about two years ago – a shark attack. Part of her left front flipper was missing and there were several deep lacerations on her right front flipper that required surgery. In addition, she had developed a bone infection. Antibiotics, vitamins and nutritional therapy were recommended for both turtles as part of their respective recovery processes.

“There’s nothing better than witnessing a rehabbed sea turtle as it disappears into the surf,” said Amy Albury, director of sustainability, FPL. “If the sick turtles we find could talk, they would tell you that without the help of FPL and the Loggerhead Marinelife Center, they probably wouldn't have survived much longer in the open ocean.”

This has been a landmark year in monitoring Florida’s sea turtle population with a record number of sea turtle nests found along Florida beaches in 2012. Even Kahuna is getting in on monitoring efforts as she was fitted with a global positioning satellite tracking device so researchers and turtle lovers can track her whereabouts.

“FPL conducts the necessary assessments and does preliminary evaluations of turtles before they are brought to the Loggerhead Marinelife Center for treatment,” said Dr. Charles A. Manire, director of research and rehabilitation, Loggerhead Marinelife Center. “The company’s comprehensive sea turtle program allows us to share data and develop an important resource to help these magnificent creatures.”

Within days of each other, Tilly and Kahuna made their way back to the ocean in separate “sand carpet” ceremonies befitting a blockbuster movie premiere attended by legions of adoring fans. Tilly was released at a fighting weight of 95 pounds and Kahuna tipped the scales at 209 pounds as they lumbered into the choppy surf. Tilly, formerly weighed 86 pounds; Kahuna was 172 pounds when first admitted.

Media Contact:
FPL Media Line
Florida Power & Light Company
700 Universe Blvd.
Juno Beach, FL 33408
305-552-3888
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Luxury Travel Ltd, A Vietnamese Cuisine Connoisseur, To Promote Vietnam Food Tour for Gourmet Travelers

The new Luxury Travel trip features a 12-day itinerary of Vietnam's most popular spots, with many special opportunities to discover and savor the surprisingly varied tastes of this fascinating land.

Hanoi, Vietnam, July 12, 2012 -- The new Luxury Travel trip (http://www.luxurytravelvietnam.com) features a 12-day itinerary of Vietnam's most popular spots, with many special opportunities to discover and savor the surprisingly varied tastes of this fascinating land.

Along with exploring new cultures, one of the great joys of travel is the discovery of new cuisine. Those unfamiliar with Vietnamese food are in for a treat, as the national cuisine is flavorful, colorful and extremely healthy.

North: Northern Vietnam has long been influenced by its proximity to China. As the only part of the country that experiences four seasons, many dishes are only available in season. Overall, the food tends to be milder and lighter than that found in the rest of Vietnam.

Central: The pundits claim that central cuisine is the most culturally authentic food in the country. Heavily influenced by the Imperial court cuisine of Hue, the food is generally spicy and well seasoned.

South: Southern cuisine is the most varied of the three. Rich in vegetables, rice and seafood, it has incorporated French, Cambodian and Thai influences into a style that is distinctively its own. It is more heavily seasoned and tropical, spicier and at times sweeter than northern food.

Luxury Travel's “A Taste of Vietnam” trip is designed for the traveler with limited time and an unlimited appetite for a culinary adventure.

The trip features a 12-day itinerary of Vietnam's most popular spots, with many special opportunities to discover and savor the surprisingly varied tastes of this fascinating land.

This culinary odyssey will take travelers from tasting the dishes of the North to the delicacies of Hue, down to the unsurpassed bounty of the Mekong Delta with its cinematic abundance of fruits and vegetables.

Gourmet lovers will experience the tangy flavor of cha ca (charcoal grilled fish), sample Vietnam's signature pho, become acquainted with infinite types of noodles and rice, and try nuoc mam (Vietnamese fish sauce).

“Our ultimate goal is to give our clients a food and wine experience that will last them a lifetime,” said Hung Nguyen, sales and marketing manager of Luxury Travel Company.

Along the way from North to South travelers will delight in a medley of elegant foods prepared to please the eye as well as the palate, including traditional Vietnamese fare and dishes influenced by international cuisine.

The food and tour is well planned, and travelers save precious time by flying or traveling by overnight train. Highlights include the wonders of Ha Long Bay, one of five World Heritage-listed sites in Vietnam, as well as shopping and a market visit to the capital city of Hanoi with its alluring Old Quarter.

Enjoy a Royal banquet dinner in this former Imperial Capital to enrich your experience in Hue, one of five World Cultural Heritage sites of Vietnam.

Travelers will also visit the picturesque and artsy port town of Hoi An, a favorite with many travelers, and the ever-vibrant Ho Chi Minh City on the bank of the Saigon River.

This trip is designed to discover the food, culture, sights and style of this unique country, combining local charm and luxuries from North to South Vietnam.


About Luxury Travel Ltd
The first luxury tour operator (http://www.luxurytravelvietnam.com) and full travel service agency based in Hanoi with offices throughout Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand, Luxury Travel is exceptional in designing tailor-made tours and providing unique travel experiences. Opened in 2004, the Luxury Travel Company Limited has its own offices, luxury vehicles, luxury travel advisors, and sales offices in California, Paris, and Melbourne. The company’s depth of experience and large infrastructure enable it to create unique itineraries with the operational confidence to fulfill client expectations. Luxury Travel Ltd won numerous travel awards for excellent performance including the most recent award: Best Luxury Tour Operator in Vietnam.

Media Contact:
Link Doan
Luxury Travel Ltd
05 Nguyen Truong To Str.,
Ba Dinh Dist, Hanoi 84444
Vietnam
84439274120
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