The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is soliciting applications to test a range of approaches for expanding access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) among two underserved populations-the elderly and working poor. The FY 2009 cooperative agreements will be awarded to State agencies responsible for administering SNAP. However, FNS anticipates that interested State SNAP agencies may assemble teams that include other public, non-profit and/or private organizations to plan and implement pilot projects. FNS will also award and oversee a contract for an independent evaluation of the pilots.

Approximately $3.0 million in fiscal year (FY) 2009 funds is available for the pilots which are expected to operate for three years, including an implementation phase. FNS anticipates awarding six grants of up to $500,000 each. The award amount will depend upon the strategy selected, the proposed budget and the quality of the application as determined by a technical panel.

Complete application packages must be received by FNS on or before 5:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on Tuesday August 4, 2009.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Greg Walton, Grants Management Division, via email at Greg.Walton@fns.usda.gov.