Agency receives honor as Hunger Champion

Lately, it seems that all we hear is bad news concerning the economy, unemployment, the increase in need for assistance, etc. But I do not want the positive news about our agency to get lost in the shuffle. That is why I am happy to announce that our Family & Adult Assistance section has been named a Hunger Champion for 2008 by the United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service.

The Food Stamp Hunger Champions Program honors local offices that provide exemplary service in assisting eligible clients obtain food stamps. The letter I received announcing this honor came from Tim English, director of the Midwest Region of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). In the letter, he stated “we are proud to acknowledge the exemplary service your office provides to clients applying for SNAP benefits. Your staff is truly deserving of this honor.”

I could not agree more.

In the past year, there have been a lot of changes within our Family & Adult Assistance section. We have lost staff due to budget cuts and we are seeing an increase in the amount of Hamilton County citizens who need our help. We have also implemented several initiatives to make ourselves more available to our clients.

Despite all of those changes, our Family & Adult Assistance workers continue to ensure that our clients’ needs are met. These workers see tens of thousands of clients a month, which can be stressful, but that does not stop them from making sure Hamilton County citizens receive appropriate assistance in their time of need.

Congratulations Family & Adult Assistance workers – you truly are Hunger Champions.

by Jim Tinker

Filed Under: Communication

Tagged: Food and Nutrition Service, food stamps, Hunger Champion