Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service (USDA FNS), has approved American Samoa’s request to increase benefit levels for all ASNAP participants starting today, Friday, October 1, 2021.

In a press release distributed yesterday, Department of Human and Social Services (DHSS) director Muavaefa’atasi John E. Suisala reported that the increases were made possible through a 23% increase, or $1.86 million in annual nutrition assistance for American Samoa as a result of an increase in the national Thrifty Food Plan that was announced by USDA FNS on August 16, 2021.

In Fiscal Year 2022, which starts October 1, 2021, American Samoa will receive $10.047 million for the American Samoa Nutrition Assistance Program (ASNAP) compared to $8.185 million for Fiscal Year 2021. The following individual allotment benefit amounts for ASNAP participants became effective yesterday with the start of the distribution of food stamp coupons for October 2021:

Gross Monthly Income                     Current Benefit                  Amt New Benefit Amt

$0 - $343                                       $139                                 $177

$344 - $687                                   $111                                 $149

$688 - $1,032                                $89                                   $127

$1,033 - $1,375                             $71                                   $109

$1,376 - $1,718                             $56                                   $94

As always, DHSS urges all ASNAP participants to spend their benefits wisely to purchase healthy foods for better health outcomes.

Director Muavaefa’atasi extended his sincere gratitude to USDA FNS Western Regional Administrator Jesus Mendoza, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Director Charles Tobin, Grants Management and Administrative Services Director Rebecca Hobbs and their colleagues at the national and regional levels for their continued support of the American Samoa Nutrition Assistance Program.

Muavaefa’atasi also extends his fa’amalo and fa’afetai tele to Governor Lemanu P.S. Mauga and Lieutenant Governor Talauega E.V. Ale for their strong support of nutrition assistance programs and services for our people.

Contact DHSS for the dates of distribution: Phone: (684) 633-7506