FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 7, 2009

CONTACT: Boston Press Office, 617-565-8519

BOSTON – Senators John Kerry and Paul Kirk today announced that Massachusetts will receive bonus award of $1,548,018 from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for outstanding service for providing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to people throughout the Massachusetts.

Each year the USDA awards performance bonuses to six states with the highest rate of timely processed applications. This is the sixth consecutive year Massachusetts is receiving bonus funding for timeliness.

“The worst economic crisis since the Great Depression has hit already vulnerable families especially hard,” said Senator Kerry. “This investment will help ensure that kids don't go hungry and parents can put healthy food on the table.  I’m thankful to Secretary Vilsack for recognizing our state’s outstanding efforts.”

“During this economic crisis, families all across the Commonwealth are struggling to access basic necessities such as healthy food,” said Senator Paul G. Kirk Jr.  “This award is a recognition of the importance of these services at a time of extraordinary need.”

For more information on USDA and on SNAP, please visit www.fns.usda.gov.