The days of paper food stamps/coupons for recipients of the American Samoa Nutrition Assistance Program (ASNAP) are over.
On Wednesday the Department of Human and Social Services launched the ASNAP Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) system, a project that’s been several years in the making.
The first three EBT cards for the ASNAP program were presented to selected recipients: Mrs Pisa Tauai, Mr Laupepa and Ms Charity Stowers-Pavihi. ASNAP participants are low income elderly, blind and disabled individuals. The EBT cards replace the monthly food stamps, providing a more convenient, efficient and secure method of obtaining food assistance.
Play Audio
Director of Human and Social Services Panisia Neueli.
The launching ceremony was attended by Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula, Senator Sii Noaese Taeatafa, Vice Speaker Fetui Fetu and former Director of DHSS Muavaefaatasi John Suisala who began the initial effort to transition from paper coupons to the electronic cards.
Governor Pulaalii noted that when the ASNAP program first started, the funding amount was $5.3 million with 3,600 participants. Today the program infuses more than $12 million into the economy and the number of recipients has increased to 5,400.
The Governor hailed the issuance of the ASNAP EBT cards as a major achievement.
Play Audio
The Governor congratulated DHSS Director Neiuli and staff and acknowledged former DHSS directors and also former Governors remembering especially Governor A.P Lutali who approved the social assistance programs for American Samoa.
DHSS issued the following announcement regarding the issuance of ASNAP EBT cards.
