The SNAP/Food Stamp Program
What's Happening Archives
Food Stamp Increase Takes Effect
In April 2009, food stamp benefits increased. Download this flyer - Your Food Stamp Benefits Are Going Up! (pdf) - which contains more information on the increase in benefits for food stamp recipients.
D.C. Food Stamp Program Wins National Awards from USDA
D.C. Hunger Solutions congratulates the D.C. Department of Human Services Income Maintenance Administration for receiving two bonus awards, one for its timely processing of SNAP/Food Stamp applications and the other for best program access. The awards are given out by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to recognize outstanding and timely customer service.
“Food Stamps are a lifeline for a growing number of District families. It’s great that the District is being acknowledged nationally for its efforts to connect families to the critical income and nutrition support that food stamps provide,” said Alex Ashbrook, director of D.C. Hunger Solutions. “We congratulate the Income Maintenance Administration for achieving not just one, but two honors. These bonus awards can be used to improve on the great work that is already being accomplished.”
D.C. will receive a bonus award of $476,947 for best program access (which reflects performance in reaching those eligible for the program), and a bonus award of $359,358 for timeliness in processing applications.
The Food Stamp Expansion Bill
In the midst of challenging times, the Food Stamp Expansion Bill is a bright spot for D.C. residents. D.C. Hunger Solutions joined Councilmember Michael A. Brown at a press conference on Tuesday to unveil the bill, which aims to boost food stamp benefits, expand eligibility for the program, and stimulate the local economy. Click here for more...
Improvements from the 2008 Farm Bill
Summary of the 2008 Farm Bill:
What Does It Mean for Washington, D.C.? (pdf) - outlines how the Farm Bill has changed D.C.'s Food Stamp Program. Food stamp clients now receive more benefits each month, and more D.C. households are eligible to receive food stamps, due to changes made by the Nutrition Title of the 2008 Farm Bill.
Extended re-application time
Do you receive Food Stamps? We have good news! (pdf) - a flyer providing information on how recipients can now re-apply every 12 months (instead of every 6 months), beginning February 2008.
Outreach with free tax sites
Volunteer to promote food stamps (pdf) - Check out this flyer for information on a project to promote food stamps at free tax preparation sites so that customers can access multiple services. A family of 3 with one minimum wage earner could be eligible for over $9,000 in food stamps and the earned income tax credit.
