Florida is the recipient of millions in bonuses from the Federal government for denying hundreds of thousands of needy persons under the food stamp program.
The Department of Children and Families said on Monday that the state has received $11.5 million in bonuses.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the state is now handling the denial of benefits and closures much more efficiently than several years ago.
“It is a tremendous honor to hold the number one spot two years in a row in such a complex program, and it is a true reflection of the tireless efforts of our employees,” said DCF Secretary George Sheldon, the News Service of Florida reports.
As the fourth largest program nation-wide, Florida’s food stamp program serves over 3.5 million recipients and dispenses more than $4 billion in benefits.
The $11.5 million awarded is the largest bonuses awarded to any state since the program began in 2003.
