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Release No. 0231.08
Contact: Regan Hopper (703) 305-2286
Printable version
USDA Grants $5 Million To Increase Access
and Participation in Food Stamp Program WASHINGTON, Sept. 17, 2008 -
Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer today announced $5 million in grants for six
state agencies, one local agency and a non-profit organization to simplify the
Food Stamp Program application and eligibility systems and improve access to
program benefits for America's low-income households.
"The federal government plays an important role in combating food insecurity
and hunger, but we can not do it alone. Partnerships are needed at all levels to
reach those most in need," said Schafer. "These grants will achieve our goal of
increasing program access and participation among America's most vulnerable
citizens."
This year's participation grants focus on modernizing and streamlining the
food stamp application process or eligibility system to improve overall customer
service. More than half of the grants place emphasis on increased participation
among Hispanics and the elderly. Compared to a national participation rate of 67
percent, the Hispanic participation rate in the Food Stamp Program is
considerably lower at 56 percent; while even lower among elderly Hispanics at 34
percent.
Food stamp benefits provide critical nutrition assistance to low income
seniors, families, and children. Public, private, non-profit, and faith and
community-based organizations play an important role in ensuring that all
eligible people know about USDA's nutrition assistance.
The eight grantees are: El Paso County (CO) Department of Human Services,
United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona, Denver (CO) Department of Human
Services, Florida Department of Children and Families, California Statewide
Automated Welfare System Consortium IV, Oregon Department of Human Services,
Alabama Department of Human Resources, and City of New York Human Resources
Administration.
The Food Stamp Program is the cornerstone of the nation's nutrition safety
net. It is the largest of the USDA's 15 domestic nutrition assistance programs
and provides crucial support and vital supplement for low income households to
buy the food they need for good health, and helps many make the transition to
self-sufficiency.
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On October 1, 2008, the Food Stamp Program will change its name to the
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) -- a program that
supports
individuals and families by putting healthy foods within reach. For more
information on the Food Stamp Program and FNS, visit
www.fns.usda.gov.
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Last modified:
12/05/2008
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