Pantry says there's too much need to cut food stamps

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - It's a food fight in Washington over funding for the nation's food stamp program, which is part of the larger farm bill. Many Republicans want to see cuts, while Democrats hope the program can grow.

Organizers of the food pantry at Saint Paul's Episcopal Church in Kansas City, Mo., said there's too much need to make any cuts.

Keith Brown-El is disabled. He receives food from the pantry as well as food stamps.

"I get something like $70 a month," said Brown-El.

He said that's not enough, so he comes to Saint Paul's. As the line grows outside the pantry, Brown-El worries.

"They're saying because of the drought we've had this year, a lot of the food prices are going up," he said.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture predicted the cost of items like meat, dairy and eggs will jump by as much as 5 percent next year. A family of four could be spending an extra $615 to fill up their refrigerator.

That's why Episcopal Community Services president John Hornbeck said any cuts to food stamps could hurt the pantry.

"What will happen is almost what could be characterized as a perfect storm in terms of increased need and decreased ability to handle it," Hornbeck said.

The pantry helped nearly 12,000 people in the first six months of 2012 -- a 61 percent jump from 2011.

"I think in the economic conditions we're in right now, that one of the worst places to make those cuts is in providing food to hungry people," Hornbeck said.

The farm bill has been a big issue in Missouri's race for Senate. Republican Todd Akin said he supports most initiatives most closely related to agriculture, but opposes growing food stamps.