ANCHORAGE — The state Division of Public Assistance will receive two bonus awards totaling $710,531 for outstanding performance in administering the food stamp program during federal fiscal year 2012.

“Given the range of challenges that DPA staff deals with on a daily basis, this is a fabulous achievement,” Health and Social Services Commissioner William J. Streur said. “It speaks volumes to the expertise, dedication, and professionalism of the division’s excellent eligibility technicians and outstanding quality assessment team.”

The food stamp program, also known as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), served an average 93,123 low-income Alaskans monthly during the award period. Alaska placed second in the nation for both the payment error rate and the case and procedural error rate. The national average for the payment error rate was 3.42 percent; Alaska’s rate was 1.07 percent.

“The awards validate many of the changes in our business processes and are also a clear demonstration of the effective teamwork and collaboration in this division,” Division Director Ron Kreher said.

The division plans to use the bonus funds to improve the administration and operation of Alaska’s food stamp program. “We want to enhance our support for this critical nutrition assistance program, add more value to the services we provide needy individual and families,” Kreher said.

For more information on Alaska’s food stamp program, go to: https://dhss.alaska.gov/dpa/Pages/fstamps/default.aspx.