SNAP Works looking for partners

The Floyd County Division of Family and Children Services is working to provide SNAP recipients with work program opportunities.

The Floyd County Division of Family and Children Services is seeking local partners to provide SNAP recipients with workforce training and employment opportunities under the SNAP Works program.

Floyd County currently has 16,546 residents in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which was previously known as food stamps, and DFCS is in charge of its administration.

“The SNAP Works program also serves as a tool for some SNAP recipients to remain eligible while training or seeking employment,” said Jon Anderson, the chief deputy director for Georgia DFCS.

To retain their SNAP eligibility, these ABAWDs — able-bodied adults without

dependents — are required to take part in “federally allowable work program activities,” Anderson said.

“This requirement has been part of the law since 1996, as enacted by the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act,” he added.

However, as of Monday, ABAWDs not involved in a work program cannot receive SNAP assistance beyond a threemonth period — this now applies to 93 counties.

Anderson said in 2014, the division started to look at ways to enhance employment and training activities for both ABAWDs and the recipients who are seeking work and have dependent children, “to reduce the skills gap between current employer needs and the lack of skilled workforce candidates.”

One way is to have private sector or nonprofit community partners bring on SNAP recipients for unpaid opportunities, such as volunteering or community service, focused on building up their skill sets through training and experience.

“With the ultimate goal being the equipping of these individuals with the skills necessary to secure employment, leading to self-sufficiency and removing their need for the benefits the program offers,” Anderson continued.

“Many of these SNAP recipients lack the education and skills to fill the current workforce industry needs that exist in Georgia’s growing economy,” he said.

The Goodwill of North Georgia is on board thus far and offering services to local SNAP recipients. A goal is to create a directory of local partners, who can end participation if they choose, that recipients can use as a guide to finding a work program. To meet this end, those interested in becoming partners are asked to fill out an organization information sheet.

For more information contact the Floyd County DFCS office at 706-295-6500.