Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service has approved a one-time payment of bonus benefits in the amount of $160 for all recipients of the American Samoa Nutrition Assistance Program (ASNAP) or the Food Stamp Program. Director Muavaefa’atasi John E. Suisala of the Department of Human and Social Services announced the payments will begin Tuesday, Sept. 1.

This one-time payment will not only provide supplemental nutrition assistance for our elderly, blind and disabled population but will also infuse close to a million dollars to the local economy.  

The $160 bonus payment will be distributed by the ASNAP Division of the Department of Human and Social Services starting Tuesday, September 1, 2020 by alphabetical order for ease of distribution. Since the one-time payment will be paid using unused funds for the current fiscal year, the bonus food coupons must be spent by or before September 30, 2020.  

In conclusion, Director Muavaefa’atasi wishes to thank the Food and Nutrition Service Western Region Administrator Jesus Mendoza and his staff for their continued support of the American Samoa Nutrition Assistance Program (ASNAP) and their understanding of an ongoing need for food assistance for our vulnerable population.  Director Muavaefa’atasi also urges all those who will receive this one-time bonus payment to spend their extra dollars wisely to purchase healthy foods for better health outcomes.  

The following is the schedule of mass issuance of ASNAP benefits for September 1, 2020 and the remainder of the first seven working days of the month:

Tuesday, September 1, 2020 –  benefits will be issued to recipients with last names beginning with the letters, M only

Wednesday, September 2, 2020 – benefits will be issued to recipients with last names beginning with the letters, N, O, P, Q, R

Thursday, September 3, 2020 – benefits will be issued to recipients with last names beginning with the letters, S, V, W, X, Y, Z

Friday, September 4, 2019 –  benefits will be issued to recipients with last names beginning with the letters, T only

Tuesday, September 8, 2019 – benefits will be issued to recipients with last names beginning with the letters, U only

Wednesday, September 9, 2020 – benefits will be issued to recipients with last names beginning with the letters, A, B, C, D

Thursday, September 10, 2020 – benefits will be issued to recipients with last names beginning with the letters, E, F, G, H

Friday, September 11, 2020 – benefits will be issued to recipients with last names beginning with the letters, I, J, K, L

For more information, please contact the ASNAP office at 633-7720.