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Understanding the connections The following represents many activities related to the Food Stamp program. As you can see, there are many things happening that could potentially have an impact on our desired results. It's important to be aware of the whole picture.Children, Adults and Families (CAF) administers the Food Stamp program through program policy development and training. The Food Stamp Program is delivered through Community Human Services (CHS) offices located throughout the state. These offices provide eligibility, case management, and case maintenance services to Food Stamp clients. Some Service Delivery Areas (SDA) use processing centers to address the increased workload. Many SDAs have out-stationed workers in other offices and community settings to improve client access to benefits. Health Services (HS) provides the Women, Infants, Children (WIC) infant health and nutritional assistance program, which is the other large food/nutrition assistance program provided by DHS. Referrals and information about food stamps is made available in many of the WIC offices located throughout the state. In relation to Seniors and People with Disabilities (SPD), the county-based Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) organizations administer the delivery of Food Stamp benefits to local older and disabled Food Stamp clients. These organizations are responsible for the eligibility, case management and case maintenance for these populations in the counties served by AAAs. Administrative Services (AS) provides computer support to implement policy, eligibility and benefit changes. AS provides support for forms and application generation and distribution. Human Resources provides support to maintain a fully staffed and functioning workforce. Many activities happen outside of DHS. Advocates provide a critical role in Food Stamp outreach efforts. These include the distribution of information to prospective clients at food banks and other local community sites. They also provide valuable input on policy decisions at all levels of government from local to national. Other non-DHS agencies that influence this measure include Department of Education (Free and Reduced Cost Meals program), Hunger Relief Taskforce, Community Action Agencies, Housing and Community Services and Economic and Community Development Department. August 2003 Back to top |
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