Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns today awarded nearly $1 million to 14 faith-based and community organizations for their efforts to improve access to, and awareness of, USDA’s Food Stamp Program for eligible low-income households.
“The Administration is committed to ensuring that people who are eligible for food stamps can access benefits with dignity and respect,” said Johanns. “Faith-based and community organizations are uniquely positioned to help us reach those in need with information about this critical nutrition safety net.”
USDA awards outreach grants to raise awareness about the availability of the Food Stamp Program among eligible low-income people. Outreach strategies include information dissemination, pre-screening, application assistance, community events and education programs, and train-the-trainer programs.
The majority of the grantees will work with partners, such as other faith-based or community organizations, senior service programs, food banks or food pantries, health providers, and housing programs in order to customize the outreach programs to the needs of the community. The maximum award for each grant is $75,000.
Grant opportunities were available to public entities and private, non-profit organizations, including faith-based and community organizations to assist in educating eligible low-income people who are not currently participating in the Food Stamp Program. These grants are similar to the 15 grants awarded in late August for the same purpose.