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Release No. FNS 0003

Contact: Regan Hopper (703) 305-2281


USDA Hosts Local Outreach Events to Raise Awareness of Food Stamp Program

WASHINGTON, JUNE 30, 2008 — Agriculture Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services Nancy Montanez Johner today announced USDA’s partnership with States and community organizations to host a series of events and workshops designed to raise awareness of the Food Stamp Program (FSP) among traditionally underserved populations − the elderly, Hispanics and the working poor.

“The Food Stamp Program is America’s largest nutrition assistance program designed to supplement the food budgets of millions of low-income children and families,” said Johner. “One of USDA’s top priorities is to ensure that everyone who is eligible for the Food Stamp Program is aware of the program and can access its benefits with dignity and respect.”

USDA kicked off its first event at the Joe Martinez Annual Health & Safety Expo in Miami, Florida on June 28, 2008. The community event targeted low-income individuals of all ages within Miami-Dade County, with a particular focus on low-income Hispanics. USDA was on hand to offer the public pre-screening consultations on eligibility and workshops on the nutrition benefits of the FSP. Other events in the series will take place in California, New York, New Jersey and Texas.

Currently, the U.S. Hispanic population has the lowest food stamp participation rates among ethnic groups. Compared to a national participation rate of 67 percent, the Hispanic participation rate is 56 percent.

“More than three million Hispanic households qualify for food stamp benefits, but are not enrolled in the Food Stamp Program,” said Johner. “USDA is committed to working with community-based organizations and our state partners to improve food security and nutrition among those eligible for our nutrition assistance programs.”

USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) administers 15 nutrition assistance programs that reach one in five Americans each year and work in concert to form our Nation’s safety net against hunger. They include the Food Stamp Program (FSP), the school meals programs, and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC).

The Food Stamp Program serves more than 27 million low-income individuals each month and supplements their food budgets so participants can buy the food they need for good health. For more information on the Food Stamp Program and FNS, visit http://www.fns.usda.gov.



Last modified: 12/05/2008
 

 

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