600              INTRODUCTION AND DEFINITIONS

The Food Stamp Program (FSP Food Stamp Program) is designed to promote the general welfare and safeguard the health and well being of the nation's population by raising the levels of nutrition among low-income households. The Food Stamp Program is funded mostly by the federal government, and the regulations are written by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA United States Department of Agriculture) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS Food and Nutrition Service).  Each state is responsible for implementing and administering these regulations.  

The Alaska Food Stamp Program is administered by the State of Alaska, Department of Health and Social Services, Division of Public Assistance under the authority of the Food Stamp Act of 1977.  Federal regulations governing the Food Stamp Program are in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR Code of Federal Regulations) at:

Title 7 Agriculture

Subtitle B Regulations of the Department of Agriculture

Chapter II Food and Nutrition Service, Department of Agriculture

Subchapter C – Food Stamp and Food Distribution Program

271 General Information and Definitions

272 Requirements for Participating State Agencies

273 Certification of Eligible Households

274 Issuance and Use of Coupons

The Alaska Food Stamp Program is authorized under Alaska Statutes 47.25.975 through 47.25.990 and the Alaska Administrative Code (State regulations) at 7 AAC 46.010 through 46.990.

The process of determining the need for the level of assistance is the certification procedure. This manual provides the caseworker with standard policy for certification procedures.