header picture one

Quarterly Newsletter

Spring 2008

 

NORTH TEXAS FOOD BANK UNVEILS
NEW CLIENT SCREENING SYSTEM

Successful launch supports goal of increasing food stamp applications

(Dallas, Texas, April 22, 2008) – Introducing BEN, a.k.a. Benefit Enrollment Network, the new food stamp client screening system launched January 2008 by the North Texas Food Bank (NTFB) in partnership with the Texas Association of Community Action Agencies (TACAA) and the system’s provider Nets to Ladders.

Microsoft-funded and research-developed, BEN delivers the North Texas Food Bank’s Food Stamp Education and Outreach Program Web-based tools designed to more efficiently screen potential clients for food stamps and Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) benefits.

To date this 2007-2008 fiscal year, the Food Stamp Education and Outreach Program has successfully provided application assistance for food stamps and HHSC benefits to nearly 5,000 individuals and more than 1,500 households throughout Dallas county and five surrounding area counties.

By implementing BEN, the North Texas Food Bank – a member of America’s Second Harvest – has a comprehensive client screening platform now in place to help achieve the goal of increasing food stamp applications by 25 percent within the next year.

• The North Texas Food Bank is already using BEN to screen individuals for eligibility, increasing the number of potential clients who are educated about food stamps and HHSC benefits.

• Potential clients who pass initial screening through BEN are referred to the Food Stamp Education and Outreach Program for further assistance and the successful completion of the food stamp and HHSC benefits application process.

• A remotely accessible Web-based platform, BEN will enhance the Food Stamp Education and Outreach Program’s overall efficiency by reducing travel for in-person visits with potential clients regarding applications and referrals.

BEN is provided exclusively by Nets to Ladders, a for-profit organization that partners with non-profit organizations to build a virtual net of service providers for low to moderate income individuals.


MEDIA CONTACTS:

Amanda O’Neal
Public Relations Manager
North Texas Food Bank (NTFB)
Office: 214-347-9593
Cell: 972-510-4932
amanda@ntfb.org


# # #

 

 

top back to media releases