HCJFS' food stamp program among best in the Midwest

Jan. 24, 2006 -- The agency’s food stamp program has attracted the attention of regional and state experts.

USDA Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) staff from the Midwest region’s offices in Chicago will visit HCJFS the afternoon of Thursday, Jan. 26, to check out our operations. Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) staff also will participate.

FNS officials are touring 15 “high-performing food stamp programs in the Midwest region that stand a cut above the rest,” according to a letter from Tim English, regional director of the food stamp program.

“If we were to observe their day-to-day operations, we might find certain characteristics that they have in common.”

Engilsh said FNS staff “will identify successful strategies, motivational tools and effective practices that have helped the local office to achieve high levels of performance.”

They plan to visit three locations in Ohio as well as sites in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin.

HCJFS has implemented a number of initiatives to help improve its overall food stamp accuracy over the past five years. The agency's Program Quality Assurance staff monitors food stamp cases and works closely with eligibility technicians to correct common errors through training and mentoring. Top performers are recognized each month.

In 2004, one in 11 Hamilton County residents received food stamps -- know as the Direction Card in Ohio -- up from 1 in 13 in 2003. Food stamps are a monthly benefit given to eligible families to help buy food.