After a week filled with numbers that showed larger than expected budget shortfalls and increasing poverty and deep poverty in our city, the District’s Dime is pleased to report this number: $899,763. This is bonus money the District will receive from the feds for outstanding administration of its food stamps program.
Actually the District earned two bonuses. DC was one of six states selected for “best program access,” receiving $540,954 for the designation, which rewards state programs that serve a high percentage of food-stamp eligible families. The District was also one of six states selected for “best application processing timeliness,” for which it received $358,809.
“The States we recognize today are leaders in service to their communities and their success in breaking down access barriers and processing applications in a timely manner is an inspiring model for other states,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.
Food stamps (which had an official name change over the past year, to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP) are a crucial lifeline for many families struggling to make ends meet, especially during this devastating recession. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the number of District residents receiving food stamps increased by 25,000 over past two years, from 89,336 in January 2008 to 114,375 in December 2009.
Increased food stamp participation is a key indicator that poverty has been on the rise in the District. This week, Census figures provided further confirmation, showing that nearly three-in-ten District children live in poverty, a seven percentage point increase in two years. In the District, families may be eligible for food stamps if they earn up to twice the federal poverty line, which is just under $37,000 for a family of three. The food benefit received depends on income and basic expenses, such as housing.
The federal recognition is a reminder of just how important programs such as food stamps are for maintaining investments in our most important resource, our residents. Good nutrition helps keep our neighbors healthy and productive. Food stamps is a federally funded program, yet administered on the local level.
Congratulations again to the District’s Income Maintenance Division in the Department of Human Services for helping District families stretch their personal budget dollars.
