D.C. Hunger Solutions Congratulates D.C. Department of Human Services on SNAP/Food Stamp Program Bonus Award
September 28, 2011 - The D.C. Department of Human Services Income Maintenance Administration (IMA) received bonus awards for both timeliness in processing SNAP (formerly known as Food Stamps) applications and overall program access in fiscal year 2010. D.C.'s awards, totaling over $1.1 million, were given out by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to recognize outstanding and timely customer service among state agencies administering the SNAP/Food Stamp Program. The District was one of 11 states selected to receive this recognition.
The Program Access Index reflects the ratio of participating SNAP/Food Stamp recipients proportional to the eligible population. In DC, an estimated 86 percent of eligible participants are enrolled in the program. The timely processing awards are given to states with the highest rate of timely application processing. This is the fourth time that D.C. has received the timeliness bonus, and the third year in a row.
“IMA’s excellent performance in not just one, but both, award categories is a testament to the agency’s dedication to serving thousands of District residents, particularly during a time of economic downturn and increased need,” said Alex Ashbrook, director of D.C. Hunger Solutions. “It's great that the District is being acknowledged nationally for its efforts to connect families to the critical income and nutrition support that SNAP provides. These bonus awards can be reinvested to improve the already great SNAP work being accomplished and to ensure SNAP reaches every eligible individual. D.C. Hunger Solutions looks forward to continuing its partnership with IMA to ensure that District residents are benefitting from SNAP/food stamps.
