$FRANKFORT, KY (Sept. 30, 2004) -- Kentucky was recently recognized by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for outstanding administration of its Food Stamps Program and will receive a high-performance bonus award of nearly $2 million.

Governor Ernie Fletcher was notified this week that Kentucky is one of six states to earn a high performance bonus for timely and efficient processing of food stamps applications.  Nearly all, 98.24 percent, of the food stamps applications submitted to the state Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) were processed within the USDA’s timeliness guidelines. 

The USDA established a 30-day standard for providing eligible households the opportunity to participate in the Food Stamps Program.  Kentucky’s bonus was based on its high rate of compliance with the 30-day standard.

Dr. James Holsinger, Jr., Secretary of CHFS, said the bonus rewards exemplary service and dedication on the part of cabinet employees in the Food Stamps program. “Our workers daily ensure delivery of quality service to clients and responsible stewardship of tax dollars,” he said. “This bonus is a reflection of their dedication.”

"We are delighted to receive this performance bonus, not only for its financial benefit to the program, but also because it means eligible, low-income families are receiving benefits without undue delays,” said CHFS Undersecretary for Children and Family Services Gene Foster.

There are 526,693 food stamp recipients in Kentucky.

Six million dollars was divided among the six states with the highest percentage of timely processed applications.  Among the six states receiving bonus awards for timely processing of food stamps applications, Kentucky was ranked first.  States receiving bonuses and the amount of their bonuses are:

Kentucky: $1,948,771.82

Oklahoma: $1,421,687.07

Massachusetts: $1,257,395.97

West Virginia: $979,960.06

New Hampshire: $206,004.26

South Dakota: $186,180.82

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