States Share $30 Million in Food Stamp Excellence Awards

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded a total of over $30 million to 14 states for demonstrating excellence in administering the Food Stamp Program during 2006.

The awards were based on the winning states' overall performance or improvement in accurately and completely determining the qualifications of Food Stamp applicants, and in distributing program benefits.

Top awards went to Missouri ( $3,234,784), Pennsylvania ($3,651,458), North Carolina ( $4,021,638) and New York ( $9,837,712). Other states receiving awards included; South Dakota, the Virgin Islands, Washington, Mississippi, Hawaii, Rhode Island, Idaho, Vermont, Nebraska and Minnesota.

"One of USDA's top priorities is to increase access to and participation in the Food Stamp Program while maintaining program integrity and I commend all states that have ensured efficient, accurate and effective administration of this crucial program," said Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns, in a press release.

Errors the USDA is striving hardest to eliminate from the administration of the Food Stamp Program include overpayments and underpayments to recipients, and improper denials or termination of benefits.

Also See:
GAO Finds Food Stamp Program Efficiency Improving
Food Stamp Facts (1999)