Give Me Five!

October 1st begins a new year for Food Stamp Program accuracy measurement. Our hard work and increased payment accuracy focus has led to much improved work quality in the past several years, yet we've remain short of our goal to do better than the national average. We set our goal last year for a 94 percent accuracy rate. We are still striving for that goal, in the current year and our national payment accuracy ranking among the states is 36th. We aim in the FFY 2007 quality control sample to achieve 95 percent accuracy. Give Me Five! is our new campaign theme. A 5 percent food stamp payment error rate (Give Me Five - get it?) would earn us a respectable place in the top 20 in the national rankings.

HHS Releases Energy Assistance Funds to Alaska

HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt today announced the release of $79.9 million in energy assistance for 14 states. These contingency funds, from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) program, will provide states with heating assistance for the fall and winter months ahead.

"This assistance will help states prepare for heating costs this fall and winter," Secretary Leavitt said. "With this funding, the Bush Administration is helping those in need by ensuring their homes are kept warm during the winter months."

DPAStars

I am pleased to announce two more of DPA’s stars! These two individuals show the best of DPA in every way. They bring the utmost in professionalism to the office and also keep spirits high with their smiles and good humor. Thank you both for the incredible contributions you make to our organization and your commitment toward fulfilling our mission!

Please join me in recognizing and celebrating the accomplishments of these two fine individuals, and one of which we must sadly say goodbye to.

Ellie Fitzjarrald, Acting Director

Successes Marked on 10th Anniversary of Welfare Reform

From ACF Office of Public Affairs:

On the 10th anniversary of welfare reform, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is highlighting key successes of the initiative.

"Welfare reform brought significant improvements in the lives of many Americans by helping them break the cycle of dependency and encouraging them to pursue self-sufficiency," HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt said. "As we enter the next phase, we are committed to finishing the unfinished business of welfare reform by helping more Americans find jobs that will lift them from the welfare rolls."

Food Stamp Informational Materials Available in 36 Other Languages

Many helpful tools are located on the Food & Nutrution Services web site that will assist you in providing information to clients who do not speak english. Including the "I Speak" survey which can assist in determining the language of an individual.

Information includes:

  • Questions and Answers About Getting and Using Food Stamps, FNS-313 (Food Stamps Make America Stronger), a brochure giving useful information about the Program.