Henrico County was among the recipients of the Bronze Hunger Champion Award as part of the 2010 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), announced last month by the USDA. Award recipients were cited for demonstrating exemplary service, conducting outreach activities and assisting eligible clients to obtain nutrition benefits.

“Putting healthy food within reach for low income Americans has never been more important,” said USDA Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services Kevin Concannon. “These local offices have gone the extra mile to reach out to and educate needy members of their communities about the nutrition benefits of SNAP and how to apply. Through innovative strategies and creative partnerships, these honorees serve as models for local offices across the country.”

Two jurisdictions, including the Chesterfield-Colonial Heights Department of Social Services, earned the Gold Hunger Champions award, the highest award presented. Five jurisdictions won Silver awards, and 23 earned Bronze awards.

USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) oversees the administration of 15 nutrition assistance programs that touch the lives of one in four Americans over the course of a year. These programs work in concert to form a national safety net against hunger. SNAP, the largest program, serves nearly 42 million people each month putting healthy food within reach for low-income Americans nationwide. Visit http://www.fns.usda.gov for information about FNS and the USDA nutrition assistance programs.