Amata Meets with USDA and Welcomes $10 Million For ASNAP
Pago Pago –Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata met with US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services Stacy Dean yesterday to discuss challenges to American Samoa’s food system due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent supply chain issues. At the meeting, Deputy Under Secretary Dean informed Aumua Amata that the USDA would be allocating $10 million to American Samoa to be disbursed to current recipients of the American Samoa Nutrition Assistance Program (ASNAP).
Congresswoman Uifa’atali with Under Secretary Stacey Dean (top left)
The $10 million grant will mean that recipients of ASNAP will be receiving between $100 and $183 more per month until September 30, 2023. For the lowest income ASNAP recipients, they could receive up to $208 for an additional household member. This grant was authorized by Congress through the American Rescue Plan Act.
“I was honored to meet Under Secretary Dean yesterday, and I am very thankful for all her work on behalf of the people of American Samoa,” said Amata. “Living on our islands is not easy, especially now given the increasing shipping and food prices. This grant shows that the federal government understands the unique challenges we face. It allows the American Samoa Government to augment its nutritional assistance program at a time when our people need all the help they can get. For those who receive ASNAP, the extra money will make a substantial difference.”
“I congratulate Governor Lemanu, Lieutenant Governor Talauega, and Director of Human and Social Services Muavaefa’atasi John Suisala on this grant. I would also like to thank my Congressional colleagues for authorizing the funds necessary to help the people of American Samoa. I stand ever ready to assist in any way I can at the federal level.”
People with questions about ASNAP eligibility and benefits should contact the American Samoa Department of Human and Social Services.
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