By Sara QuamLess than half of Rock County residents who are eligible for food support use it, and only 12 percent of eligible seniors are on the program.This information surfaced during a recent audit of Rock County Human Services’ food support program. The audit covered everything from giving accurate benefit amounts to customer service and even made sure there was no evidence of discrimination or violation of civil rights.Rock County passed the audit, however, the program could be more successful by reaching more people.Financial Assistance Supervisor Diane Holmberg said it’s unfortunate that many of the people who qualify for food assistance don’t apply for it."There are 757 people living in poverty in Rock County," Holmberg said.Census data provide the county with accurate income statistics.Of those who qualify for the food support program (formerly food stamps), only 44 percent use it. An even smaller amount — 12 percent — of senior citizens who qualify are on food support.Holmberg said, "For some elderly, it’s just a different mindset than we see in younger people and there may be a pride factor to that."She also said that some elderly are intimidated by the card system. The cards were designed for security and efficiency and, to some degree, to prevent embarrassment of using actual food stamps. But carrying cards and memorizing PIN numbers is a new concept to many lower income elderly.Because of the low use percentage, Rock County Human Services is starting to promote the program more intensively to people already receiving services and through posters or pamphlets in the grocery store.These outreach efforts will let people know that the food programming goes toward home delivered meals and can be used for groceries delivered to the home."People may not realize that we can go to them if they want to apply. We don’t hesitate to do a home visit for the disabled or elderly. And they can also designate someone to sign papers for them if they want someone else to come to our office on their behalf," Holmberg said.The average amount used per case on food support is $176 per month. The average per person is $66.The smallest amount a person or case can get is $10.Holmberg said, "I think there’s a myth about the $10 being all they can get so they don’t bother applying." Holmberg said, "In general, it’s a supplement to what they already spend on groceries."The income guidelines are generally as follows:o1 person can earn a monthly household income of $1,009 before taxeso2 people can earn $1,354o3 people can earn $1,698o4 people can earn $2,043o5 people can earn $2,387Shelter costs and assets are also considered on the sliding scale that gives food program money to people in need.Rock County has a steady caseload of about 135 on food support. One large family would count as one case just as an individual is one case.Rock County spends no money toward the food program. The actual food dollars come from the federal government, and administration for the program is funded by the state and federal government.