Please view this link: http://www.usda.gov/2006/12/0465.xml Release No. 0465.06 Contact: Susan Acker (703) 305-2286 USDA AWARDS NEARLY $1 MILLION IN FOOD STAMP OUTREACH GRANTS TO FAITH-BASED AND COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS WASHINGTON, Dec. 11, 2006 -- 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. The 14 Fiscal Year 2007 outreach grantees are: Name of Grantee Location Amount Arizona Community Action Association Phoenix, Arizona $74,937 Asian American Civic Association, Inc. Boston, Massachusetts $49,966 Capital Area Community Action Agency, Inc. Tallahassee, Florida $72,127 Caritas of Waco, Inc. Waco, Texas $73,344 Center for Pan Asian Community Service, Inc. Doraville, Georgia $73,992 Community Partners, Inc. Amherst, Massachusetts $75,000 Future Foundation East Point, Georgia $75,000 Health Masters Club Orlando, Florida $54,660 Hunger Action Network of New York State New York, New York $75,000 On Jan. 29, 2001, President Bush created the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives. He also established Faith-Based and Community Initiatives offices in 11 federal agencies, including USDA, to leverage the essential work of faith-based and community organizations in a "determined attack on need." The Food Stamp Program, administered by USDA's Food and Nutrition Service, is the cornerstone of federal nutrition assistance programs and provides crucial support to working poor and needy households. For more information on the food stamp program and outreach grants, visit the USDA's Food and Nutrition Service Web site at http://www.fns.usda.gov. # USDA News oc.news@xxxxxxxx 202 720-4623 ----------------------------------------------------
