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Contact: Susan Acker (703) 305-2286

USDA RECOGNIZES EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE IN THE FOOD STAMP PROGRAM

GREENSBORO, N.C., Oct. 4, 2005 - USDA Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services Deputy Under Secretary Kate Coler today recognized local food stamp offices across the country as the first Food Stamp Hunger Champion Mentors for their outstanding customer service and support.

“One of the top priorities for USDA is ensuring that all who are eligible for our nutrition assistance programs know about them and can access services with dignity and respect,” said Coler. “These leaders have gone the extra mile to provide excellent food stamp nutrition assistance to low-income individuals and families in their communities.”

Developed by the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service and the Food Stamp Program Outreach Coalition’s Hunger Champions’ Committee, the mentors program promotes a positive image and encourages local food stamp offices to enhance their community outreach efforts. Federal, state and non-profit representatives participate in the Coalition.

The Food Stamp Hunger Champions program recognizes local food stamp offices for their creative approaches to encourage eligible people to apply for benefits. The recipients were selected based on several criteria, including customer service, problem solving, program knowledge and limited English proficiency services. Through a nomination process, the top scoring nominees were showcased for national recognition.

The first Food Stamp Hunger Champion Mentors are:

  • The Department of Human Services, Polk County, Iowa

  • Santa Cruz County Human Resources Agency, Santa Cruz, Calif.

These offices will share their innovative approaches to increase food security and deliver superior customer service at the national State Food Stamp Directors meeting in Greensboro this week. These offices set new standards for customer service and community outreach, ensuring families know about our nutrition assistance programs and can access them with dignity and respect.

The Food Stamp Hunger Champion Honorable Mention Mentors are the Charlottesville Department of Social Services, Charlottesville, Va.; the Department of Health & Human Services, Portland, Maine; the Richmond City Department of Social Services, Richmond, Va.; and the West District Philadelphia County Assistance Office, Philadelphia, Pa.

In addition, 49 local offices were recognized as Food Stamp Hunger Champions and receive certificates recognizing their contributions to their communities. Each of the Hunger Champions’ offices is saluted on the FNS Food Stamp Program website.

The USDA Food and Nutrition Service administers the Food Stamp Program, Child Nutrition Programs (including the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Programs for Women, Infants and Children (WIC). These programs serve low-income, nutritionally at-risk individuals, and families.

For more information on the USDA Food and Nutrition Service and its programs, please visit www.fns.usda.gov.


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