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 completed 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 security status, Food Stamp program participation, and helpfulness of food quantity provided varied significantly with employment status. Families used the program less often than respondents without children. This research generally supports continuation of TEFAP yet raises policy questions regarding the long-term use of TEFAP.