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Food stamps released on time
There were no delays in the distribution of food stamps in the CNMI as the local government was able to receive authorization to release them.
As early as past 8am yesterday, the authorization was received for the issuance of benefits this month.
“The Office of the Governor through the DCCA Nutrition Assistance Program received at 8:13 this morning via email message that the National Office has authorized the CNMI NAP program to operate and issue benefits as of Oct. 1,” a statement from the administration said yesterday.
Following the authorization, the issuance of food stamps to households promptly began the same day.
Since there was no delay, NAP followed its original schedule. Yesterday, households beginning with letters D to L were scheduled. Today, households M to R will be able to claim food stamps, followed by S to Z on Monday and A to C on Tuesday.
Wednesday, Oct. 7, is designated as open day.
Prior to the authorization to release, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service Office on Wednesday directed states to hold the October issuance of NAP benefits due to the uncertainty in the federal budget.
The federal government yesterday avoided a shutdown following the passage of a stopgap bill in Congress that was subsequently signed into law by President Barack Obama. This law will finance the government until Dec. 11.
