Program integrity enhanced even as demand increased
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) released a statement last week lauding States for improved performance in administering FoodShare, and Wisconsin was on the list for top ten with payment accuracy.
“This is truly great news and underscores that Wisconsin’s management of FoodShare is fair and responsible. With more than 800,000 Wisconsinites dependent on FoodShare to put food on the table, administrative integrity and payment accuracy for this valuable program is more important than ever,” said Sherrie Tussler, executive director of Hunger Task Force.
The FoodShare Program (formerly known as Food Stamps and nationally called SNAP) is administered by the State Department of Health Services (DHS). 100 percent of FoodShare is federal funding, provided on a debit card after a rigorous interview requiring proof of all claims of eligibility by applicants. As of April 2011, the average benefit in Wisconsin was $116.64.
The FoodShare program has been the subject of recent media criticism, with news stories suggesting that increased enrollment and program fraud are symbolic of mismanagement. Spirited by a request from State Representative Samantha Kerkman, Wisconsin’s Joint Audit Committee recently ordered an audit of fraud within the FoodShare Program.
“Sadly, precious State funding will be spent to investigate assumptions about program fraud that were made without a complete review of the facts. With an error rate of 1.97 percent, Wisconsin ranks sixth best in payment accuracy despite increased demand brought on by the 2008 recession.”
The USDA oversees state administration of the program and matches state administrative funding, dollar for dollar. 100 percent of all FoodShare benefits are federal funds. The USDA provides monetary incentives to the seven states with the best payment accuracy rates annually. This is not the first time Wisconsin has received recognition for its low error rate. In FY 2008- 09, Wisconsin’s payment error rate was 1.11 percent and the state received bonus awards of $1.89 million for high payment accuracy and $967,000 for improved negative error rate. Sherrie Tussler offered, “Contrary to recent media speculation about program integrity, the FoodShare Program in Wisconsin has strong program integrity. Seniors, children, working poor families and people with disabilities rely on FoodShare to put food on the table and we want to acknowledge that our state is once again being recognized nationally as a well run program.” Hunger Task Force believes that every person has a right to adequate food obtained with dignity.
Hunger Task Force works to prevent hunger and malnutrition by providing food to people in need today and by promoting social policies to achieve a hunger free community tomorrow. For more information visit hungertaskforce.org.
