WASHINGTON
- U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-NM) today announced that New Mexico will be awarded $1,056,711 in recognition of the state's improved administration of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) rewards states that ensure SNAP benefits are received in a timely manner and administered with efficiency and integrity. New Mexico was recognized for "Best Application Processing Timeliness."
"I applaud New Mexico for making sure this important program is run responsibly and efficiently," Udall said. "In these tough economic times, when so many families are struggling to put food on the table, the SNAP benefits program is a vital lifeline."
According to the latest census data, New Mexico has the highest poverty rate in the country with more than 20 percent of New Mexico families living below the poverty threshold.
The SNAP benefits program is a nutrition program for families and individuals that meet certain income and resource guidelines that allows them to purchase food to feed their families.
This award is part of a larger announcement of USDA incentive funds, which provide monetary incentives to the six states with the highest rate of timely processed applications, an important indicator of customer service in administering the program.
Working in collaboration with USDA, state agencies continue to enhance the SNAP program's integrity, even as demand has increased in response to national economic conditions. This year, USDA is investing in efforts to examine local office processes and improve their effectiveness and efficiency.
