Press Releases
CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT STATEMENT ON THE VIRGIN ISLANDS RECEIVING A WAIVER TO PROVIDE SNAP BENEFITS THROUGH MAY 31, 2020
3/24/20,
March 24, 2020
For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. McQuerry PRESS RELEASE CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT STATEMENT ON THE VIRGIN ISLANDS RECEIVING A WAIVER TO PROVIDE SNAP BENEFITS THROUGH MAY 31, 2020 Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released this statement in regards to the Virgin Islands receiving a waiver to provide SNAP benefits through May 31, 20202: “As a Member of Congress, I recognize that Americans urgently need a coordinated, fully-funded, whole-of-government response to keep us safe from the widening coronavirus epidemic. “The Family First Coronavirus Response Act (H.R. 6201) provides $1 billion in grant funding to help states and territories manage things like SNAP, student meals, seniors nutrition and food banks; and additional federal funding for Medicaid. Today I was informed that the Virgin Islands will receive a waiver until May 31, 2020. “The USDA has approved the Virgin Islands waiver requests to allow WIC program remote issuance of benefits. During COVID-19 response local agencies are closed or hours significantly disrupted and social distancing is practiced. This important waiver allows the The Virgin Islands to automatically load monthly benefits onto a WIC card. Remote issuance facilitates continued access to healthy foods and formula for enrolled children, women, mothers and babies during COVID-19 related disrupted services. “Lives are at stake, and we must act now to put families first. I commend the House leadership on taking the lead on this issue and for making provisions so Americans living in the territories are included.” ### |