NEW CASTLE, DELAWARE (1/22/2015) Food assistance payments to more than 150,000 Delawareans will be distributed over a longer period beginning in March, state officials announced Wednesday.
Recipients, who currently get payments in a 16-day span, from the second through 17th days of a month, will now get them over a 22-day period, from the second through 23rd days of each month.
Officials said the change will allow grocers more time to restock shelves.
“Beginning March 2nd, the new plan will be phased in over a four-week period,” said Elaine Archangelo, director of the Department of Health and Social Services’ Division of Social Services. “It will result in better service to both Food Supplement Program recipients and other customers. By adding more issuance dates, grocers will be able to adequately stock fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, dairy and shelf-stable goods, and customers may experience shorter checkout lines as a result of evening out the shopping volume.”
Benefits are paid out based on the first letter of the last name of the primary cardholder on their Electronic Benefits Transfer card.
The Food Supplement Program, formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, is Delaware’s name for the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. SNAP is paid for with federal money but administered by the states.