USDA SNAP Outreach Grants; Hunger Champion nominations

FoodSNAP

1. SNAP Outreach Grants: USDA has just announced the availability of SNAP Outreach grants, with special focus on seniors and the Hispanic population. Here's the link, (which includes information on prior grantees): fns.usda.gov/snap/outreach/grants.htm [Editor's Note: Link is no longer active] According to USDA, "The purpose of outreach grants is to implement and learn more about effective strategies to inform and educate potentially eligible low income people, who are not currently participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), about the nutrition benefits of the program, eligibility rules, and how to apply. State and local food stamp offices and for-profit organizations are not eligible for these grants. Applicants receive up to $75,000 per grant for outreach activities lasting for 1 to 2 years, depending on the project." See link for application details.

2. Hunger Champion Award 2011 - July 1st Deadline: Each year USDA accepts nominations from individuals and community-based organizations that highlight positive customer service and SNAP practices of local SNAP offices (this award is NOT for individual SNAP workers, supervisors or directors). The deadline for nominating a SNAP office is July 1st. fns.usda.gov/snap/outreach/coalition/2011_hunger_champions.htm [Editor's Note: Link is no longer active] Nominating a local Massachusetts DTA office involves a SHORT on-page form where you provide details on the customer services or business practices of that office.

According to USDA, " The Outreach Coalition of USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is pleased to announce nominations are open for the 2011 Hunger Champions Award Program. This program honors local county assistance offices that provide exemplary service in assisting eligible clients to obtain benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). It is the goal of the award program to recognize and support those local county assistance offices that make an enduring effort to embrace the mission of the SNAP.…“to increase food security and to reduce hunger by providing children and low income people with food, a healthy diet and nutrition education.”

Both items will be on the agenda for the next Food SNAP Coalition meeting, but please DO consider submitting a nomination on or before July 1, 2011!!

Next Food SNAP Coalition Meeting: Tuesday, June 28th from 10 to Noon at St Francis House, 39 Boylston Street, Boston (6th Floor). Coalition will include a TRAINING on the My Accounts Page in the Virtual Gateway, update on state and federal budgets, update on waiver of interview for elder/disabled households (back in effect!!) and more !!