Bismarck Tribune - Bismarck News - Food stamp program wins bonus for accuracy

Food stamp program wins bonus for accuracy

Jul 01, 2006 - 02:09:29 CDT

By TOM RAFFERTY
Bismarck Tribune

North Dakota is receiving almost $500,000 for performing well on a food stamp program, according to the Department of Human Services.

The USDA notified Gov. John Hoeven and Department of Human Services Executive Director Carol K. Olson that the state will receive a $460,933 bonus for having the sixth-highest accuracy rate in the country.

Last year, North Dakota ranked eighth and received a $213,251 bonus.

Heather Steffl, a spokeswoman for the department, said there are several possible uses for the money, including the reprocurement of an electronic system that distributes the benefits. The money won't be used to give out more food stamps, Steffl said.

The Department of Human Services' 2005-07 food stamp budget totals $105.8 million.

County social service office employees determine eligibility and benefit amounts, and issue cards. State employees provide direction, training, technical assistance and quality control services. A contractor issues benefits through the cards.

Food stamp benefits are funded entirely with federal dollars.

Each month, North Dakota's program assists about 42,500 low-income individuals and others in need of temporary help to meet their nutrition needs. It provides for just under $4 million in benefits per month, which are used to purchase food at about 424 participating grocers.

The state's performance ranking is based on an analysis of 2005 federal fiscal year overpayments and underpayments. North Dakota achieved a 96.41 percent accuracy rate. The national average was 94.16 percent.

USDA distributed $24 million total in bonus funding to 10 states.

(Reach reporter Tom Rafferty at 223-8482 or tom.rafferty@;bismarcktribune.com.)

News > Local

Printer friendly version Food stamp program wins bonus for accuracy

Comments

mom of 3 wrote on Jul 7, 2006 11:06 AM:

" You people make me sick!!! I am a mom of 3 and i work full-time and got to college full-time and do my best!!! I do get EBT and i do not dress in rags and not take a shower or even look like i am poor. I and my children are well dressed from Wal-Mart and have clean cloths. So there is a certain way you are to look to get EBT. I did not know that. It is really sick that you all just think just becasue there are some people that really need the help are buying drugs and trading them for money to go play BINGO. Give me a break. I work very hard and very greatfull for the help i do get. If the peopel want to buy steak and pizza and pop so be it they ar ethe ones getting fat not you what do you care. I am really at a lose for words this is crazy!!! "

Edward wrote on Jul 6, 2006 8:35 AM:

" Isn't that their job to be accurate. Will the citizens get a $500,000 tax cut or will the government find something to waste it on? "

anon. wrote on Jul 5, 2006 8:24 AM:

" Having worked at a grocercy store I have seen many people come through my checkout line with EBT. Some I have noticed actually need this program while others really do not. Almost all the people that came through my line using EBT were buying steaks, candy bars, shrimp, and other luxury items. When there were in my line they would be on a cell phone talking away. Its funny that they can afford a cell phone but not groceries. I think this program needs to be looked at again. I understand some people actually need it but some are abusing it. "

Barney wrote on Jul 3, 2006 5:26 PM:

" To Suzie - blank said others are "alledgely" breaking the law but does nothing about it but complain. If I knew someone was breaking the law I would do more than complain. I didn't make a blanket statement, all I asked was that he back up his statements with facts (he made the accusations, I didn't). His comments aren't opinions he says the following, "These cards may only buy food but they are being traded in exchange for money and drugs." and that is not an opinion but a statement of fact - he should back that up. "

We are doing our best to survive... wrote on Jul 3, 2006 5:25 PM:

" Im a mom. I get EBT. My babies are on medicaid. I am a mom who works a 40+ hour week and have to find daycare for my children. Im sorry there are people out there who sell their EBT and it is a shame because believe me, every little bit helps my family. And let me say this, single moms will do what it takes to take care of their babies. And if that means getting assistance then so be it regardless of what some people think. My babies didnt ask to be raised without a father and I will do all that I can to make up for that. Theres a reason these programs are out there. To help. So kudoes to ND for their job well done. "

jenny wrote on Jul 3, 2006 3:07 PM:

" to: oh oh,knowing some food stamp recipients, I have observed many people actually need foodstamps and use them to buy healthy food, that's all. Others who are desperately in need refuse to get foodstamps because there are people out there who ASSUME that anyone recieving services of that nature are abusing them or are lazy. These people are doing the best they can for the moment working harder than many people who have much higher incomes and if they do reach out and ask for help they are judged! Everything can and probably will be abused by someone but we should be careful of our attitudes toward those who are brave enough to swallow their pride and ask for help when they really need it. "

Suzie from Bismarck wrote on Jul 3, 2006 1:07 PM:

" Barney - Why do you critize and make "blanket statements" about other peoples comments? They have the right to their opinions without your insensible response. "

Barney wrote on Jul 3, 2006 11:22 AM:

" To Blank - if you know this to be true why don't you turn these people in as this is a clear vioation of the law and the program. But no, people would rather sit and complain than get involved. If you know of an illegal activitiy and do nothing what does that say of you. You make a blanket statement but have no facts and won't do anything about it. "

blank wrote on Jul 2, 2006 5:32 PM:

" Barney! All social services are abused in this country and especially food stamps. These cards may only buy food but they are being traded in exchange for money and drugs. Just because these programs are proving to be so called "accurate" doesn't mean there not being abused. "

oh oh wrote on Jul 1, 2006 4:27 PM:

" Just more money for the generations of some family's to sell grocery money so they can buy booze and sit at the bingo joints, while the rest of us pay taxes for this and they get $4,000 tax refunds. "

Barney wrote on Jul 1, 2006 10:58 AM:

" How much abuse is there is in heart bypass surgery? How many people sign up to get heart bypass surgery just because they think they are entitled to it? This accuracy rate is good since this is to stop people from getting food stamps who are not eligible for food stamps and try to defraud the government. I know of no one who tries to defraud private health insurance or medicaid or medicare by requesting unnecessary heart bypass surgery. You comment is just down right stupid. PS I'm glad you have 100% accuracy at your job. "

don wilkening wrote on Jul 1, 2006 6:05 AM:

" i am glad they are not doing heart bypass surgery as 4 people per 100 would be dead. "

Post Your Own Comment

All online comments are limited to 350 words total.
Comments are reviewed for taste, tone and language before posting.
Some comments may be used in the Tribune's print edition.
We value and respect your privacy, but The Bismarck Tribune might
disclose certain information to governmental entities if served with subpoena.