Temporary emergency food assistance program: Perceptions of benefits and effect of welfare reform

The study evaluated the Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) in Larimer County, Colorado. Study participants of various ethnicities com pleted a survey containing qualitative and quantitative components. Of the 64 respondents, 58% thought they would use TEFAP a year or more; 75% found the quantity of food distributed to be helpful or very helpful. Food securi ty status, Food Stamp program participation, and helpfulness of food quanti ty provided varied significantly with employment status. Families used the program less often than respondents without children. This research general ly supports continuation of TEFAP yet raises policy questions regarding the long-term use of TEFAP.