Small Town News

Human service agency earns honors

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The U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Services has recognized the North Dakota Department of Human Services and its Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for their financial management and quality control work.

Awards were presented to one state each from the Southeast, Southwest, and Mountain Plains administrative regions during the Tri-Regional conference held August 10-12 in Charleston, S.C.

Federal officials presented the N.D. Department of Human Services with the Excellence in Financial Management award and the Quality Control Star award for the Mountain Plains Region that includes Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming.

"This award recognizes the outstanding work accomplished daily behind the scenes by employees in our SNAP Unit, Fiscal Administration Division, and Quality Control Unit, " said department Executive Director Carol K. Olson. "I feel privileged to work with so many hard working, dedicated state employees."

The financial management award recognized states for meeting fiscal integrity and accountability requirements.

North Dakota received the honor for accuracy in budget projections and for monitoring and making adjustments to ensure requested funds were in line with needs, and that no specific program components were overspent.

North Dakota was also recognized for the accuracy and timeliness of its grant closeout, EBT (electronic benefit transactions) reconciliation, and Federal financial reports.

The quality control award recognized department Quality Control Unit employees who review cases for accuracy and timely handling.

The award criteria included SNAP case review completion rates, accuracy of case reviews, and validity of data submitted.

North Dakota has the lowest food insecurity rate in the country according to the Food Research and Action Center, and SNAP participation is growing at a lower rate than in most other states.

In July 2010, the federally-funded program, formerly known as Food Stamps, helped 26, 602 qualifying low-income North Dakota households purchase food.

Individuals apply at county social service offices.



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© 2011 Turtle Mountain Star Rolla, North Dakota. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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