Objective 3: Additional USDA financial and programmatic resources available to USDA funded agencies and local nutrition assistance agencies will be identified and pursued. Strategies
Responsible Parties
1. USDA Food Stamp “Outreach” and “Participation” grants will be secured by coalitions of nutrition assistance agencies such as DCF, faith based organizations, non-profit agencies, etc.
DCF, other USDA funded programs, local nutrition assistance agencies
2. The State of Florida should allocate sufficient funding to establish the Food Stamp Nutrition Education Program in Alachua County to educate recipients about the most effective use of assistance; where to purchase low cost nutritious food; food preparation; basic home economics including household budgeting; and other self sufficiency promoting subject matter.
State of Florida, Florida Department of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension/IFAS, DCF
Estimated expense Grant funded costs TBD
$8.50 per Food Stamp recipient per year is the national average. Florida spends $1.50. USDA matches state costs 50/50. At current level of support ($1.50 per participant) State would spend approx. $33,000 in Ala. Co.
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Time frame
Desired Outcome
July 1, 2010
Many local organizations want to assist their customers gain access to federal programs, and funding from USDA for this purpose is available for successful applicants. Successful programs would increase the percentage of eligible residents who receive Food Stamp benefits. A positive economic development impact, better nourished healthier citizens, and more productive work force are among the benefits of these programs.
July 1, 2010
The program (now operated in only 22 of 67 counties in Florida) would assist Food Stamp recipients make best use of available resources, reduce the need for local agencies to rescue Food Stamp recipients toward the end of each month when Food Stamp benefits have most often been exhausted, and promote self sufficiency among assistance recipients.