USDA RECOGNIZES DELAWARE'S EFFORTS TO PROVIDE ACCURATE AND TIMELY NUTRITION ASSISTANCE

NEWARK, Del - November 1, 2011 - ON THURSDAY, November 3, USDA Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services, Kevin Concannon, will recognize Delaware's exemplary efforts to reduce hunger in the state. While participation increased in the state's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), known in Delaware as the Food Supplement Program, the state simultaneously improved the program's integrity. Delaware's Payment Error Rate for Fiscal Year 2010 was only 1.52 percent, ranking them third in the Nation. The state's program access measure was 92.60 percent, a 16 percent improvement over the prior year. The awards are in the form of monetary bonus payments in the amounts of $444,836 for the state's program access efforts and $320,503 for accuracy in benefits payments.

Working in collaboration with USDA, state agencies continue to enhance SNAP program integrity even as demand has increased in response to national economic conditions. Delaware is among those states whose efforts to ensure program integrity and improve their process for administering SNAP are working.

USDA's Food and Nutrition Service oversees the administration of 15 nutrition assistance programs, which provide children and low-income people access to food, a healthful diet and nutrition education. Through these programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, FNS helps nearly one in four Americans each year. To learn more, visit at www.fns.usda.gov

WHAT: USDA Under Secretary Kevin Concannon will present checks to Henry Smith III, Deputy Secretary of Delaware's Department of Health and Human Services. Food Bank of Delaware CEO Patricia Beebe will host.

WHERE:Food Bank of Delaware
14 Garfield Way
Newark, Del. 19713
Phone: 302-292-1305

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.