by Mindy Aguon

Guam - The Department of Public Health received a $173,000 bonus today, recognized as having one of the nation's most improved payment accuracy rates for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in Fiscal Year 2009. U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service Regional Administrator Allen Ng is visiting the island to make the presentation as Guam is one of seven states and territories that has reduced the payment error rate and increased its payment accuracy.

SNAP is the former Food Stamp Program. "It really is a great achievement because it demonstrates dedication to the program. It really is an effort to change the culture of the agency to one of accountability and ownership of the SNAP program," said Ng.

Public Health had 9.3% error rate, but has since fixed that to a 4.2% error rate. Ng lauded the agency and its staff for their dedication and willingness to make improvements to the program.