FY13 SNAP Program and Technology Improvement Grants

The Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 authorized the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) to award $5 million dollars in grants to State agencies*; public health or educational entities; or private nonprofit entities such as community-based or faith-based organizations, food banks, or other emergency feeding organizations, for projects aimed at simplifying the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) application and eligibility determination systems or improving access to SNAP benefits by eligible households. The purpose of this grant competition is to support efforts by State agencies and their community-based and faith-based partners to develop and implement: • Simple SNAP application and eligibility determination systems; or • Measures to improve access to SNAP benefits by eligible applicants This RFA seeks diverse proposals that would make the entire process easier and more efficient for applicants and participants. Grant proposals should focus on improving the quality and efficiency of operations and processes within the SNAP office. Specifically, FNS is interested in initiatives that use new technologies or examine office processes in order to improve application processing timeliness for initial applications or re-certifications. In addition, FNS is also interested in proposals that aim to increase the effectiveness of employment and training (E&T) activities. We encourage potential applicants to carefully read the five review criteria listed in the RFA. These criteria outline the qualities FNS expects successful proposals to have; they will also guide the reviewers’ evaluation of proposals. * The term “State agencies” refers to the agencies of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, the Virgin Islands, and Guam that administer SNAP. PURPOSE THIS SOLICITATION IS CONTINGENT UPON THE AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS