20 May 2013

CNMI food stamp programme received US funding boost

10:12 am on 20 May 2013

The United States House Agriculture Committee has approved a national farm policy bill that includes $32.5 million in total funding for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

The funds will cover a two-year feasibility study and a three-year pilot program to bring the islands into the national food stamp program.

Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan says a provision provides the same funding level for the CNMI's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, as in last year's bill.

Sablan said he is most grateful for members maintaining the same funding level for the CNMI despite trimming $4 billion from food stamps overall.