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New Mexico Food Banks Awarded $835,000 |
July 08, 2004 |
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Wilson says funds will help reach low-income homes
Albuquerque – Congresswoman Heather Wilson today announced that the New Mexico Association of Food Banks has been awarded $835,000 to promote awareness of USDA’s Food Stamp Program for low-income households.
The New Mexico Association of Food Banks was one of six grantees selected from over 40 proposals submitted by state, nonprofit groups and other organizations. The grant, authorized by the 2002 Farm Bill, is designed to help simplify food stamp applications and eligibility systems.
“These funds will help to increase awareness of the help offered through the food stamp program, simplify the application process, and provide better service,” Wilson said.
The grant will support:
An outreach coordinator to recruit outreach volunteers who will in turn provide application assistance.
Mobile eligibility workers with laptops to work in the community to help food stamp applicants.
Efforts to simplify the application and make it easier to use.
The Food Stamp Program, administered by USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service, is the cornerstone of federal nutrition assistance programs and provides support to lower-income households. The program serves more than 23 million people.
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