WASHINGTON, February 14, 2008-Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer today announced that USDA will offer $5 million in grants to improve participation in food stamps for those who are eligible, but for a variety of reasons do not receive the help intended for them.

"Nationally, about 65 percent of all those who are eligible for food stamp benefits are currently participating in the program," said Schafer. "Yet fewer than 31 percent of the elderly and 50 percent of Hispanic families who are eligible for food stamps are actually participating."

The deadline to submit grant applications is May 15, 2008. This year's grants are subject to availability of funds.

This year, USDA plans to fund a partnership between a state agency and private non-profit faith-based or community organizations to help working poor and needy households better understand food stamp benefits.

Grant applications for organizations can be obtained at www.grants.gov or on the Food and Nutrition Service website at www.fns.usda.gov/fsp

or by calling the grant officer, Lisa Johnson, at (703) 305-2848.

The Food Stamp Program, administered by USDA's Food and Nutrition Service, is the cornerstone of federal nutrition assistance programs, serving more than 26 million people each month.