Beginning, Thursday, November 6, the American Samoa Nutrition Assistance Program Office (ASNAP) will issue reduced food stamp benefits.
Panisia Neueli, Director of Human and Social Services (DHSS), made the announcement yesterday after receiving the latest memorandum from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service Western Regional Office. The federal government has approved states and territories to issue 50% of the approved food stamp benefit levels.
- Participants who normally receive a maximum of $177, will be issued $89.00.
- Participants who normally receive a maximum of $149, will be issued $75.00.
- Participants who normally receive a maximum of $127, will be issued $64.00.
- Participants who normally receive a maximum of $109, will receive $55.00.
- Participants who normally receive a maximum of $94, will be issued $47.00.
DHSS had announced last Friday that food stamp benefits would be suspended until further notice, so yesterday’s announcement brings relief to the more than 5,000 food stamp recipients in the territory. Stores are also expected to welcome the news as food stamps generate good sales.
Director Neueli thanks all ASNAP participants for their continued patience while the department maintains communications with the Western Regional Office, with the hope of restoring ASNAP benefits to their normal levels as soon as possible.
She also thanked the WRO Regional Administrator Muzafar Makhdoomi and his team for their continued guidance and support “as Congress works toward an equitable and more permanent solution.”
DHSS has adjusted the mass issuance schedule to account for missed days in November, so that the issuance encompasses 10 business days.
DHSS will provide additional updates as they become available through the ASNAP Facebook page and other media platforms and partners.
