New York – September 21, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — Two projects in New York State were among six that have been awarded a total of $5 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to improve efficiency in operations of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
The New York City Human Resources Administration (HRA) has been awarded $1,548,065 to develop a mobile application for smartphones and tablets. The mobile app will make it easier for SNAP clients to complete their applications and recertification, access their case status and information on their benefits, upload required documents and communicate with HRA.
The Jefferson County Department of Social Services will receive $141,716 to purchase four kiosks for placement in the department’s lobby, as well as two locations in the local community. The kiosks will help clients avoid having to wait in line and allow them to scan documents while they apply or recertify for SNAP benefits electronically.
“This is great news for New York City and Jefferson County,” said OTDA Deputy Commissioner Phyllis Morris, who oversees SNAP. “Annually, only $5 million is made available nationally for these Technology and Process Improvement grants. For several years, OTDA has actively encouraged and supported our local social services districts in the pursuit of these grants to promote innovation. These efforts have paid off. For the last three years New York State districts have been selected to receive a large percentage of the available grant money.”
For more information, see USDA’s announcement of the funding awards here: http://www.fns.usda.gov/pressrelease/2015/fns-0008-15
