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Food Stamp Employment & Training (FSET) dollars fund programs that help Food Stamp recipients gain the skills they need to succeed in the labor market. Many organizations provide educational and employment services to low-income persons who are eligible for food stamps, but few have captured the sustainable federal FSET funding to improve and increase services for this population. FSET has been underutilized in part because of a requirement for local government to match federal FSET funding. Recently, a new model for meeting federal match requirements, called the third-party match model, has created an opportunity for community providers to expand FSET services.
In this model, now being piloted in a number of states, community service providers can use their own match funds to draw federal funding. Match funds can include philanthropic grants, nonprofit revenues, employer contributions, and non-federal public monies. With well-designed program budgets and adequate client participation, community providers can expand their continuum of services, serve more clients, and help clients pay for expenses such as tuition and transportation. Ideal candidates for this new model include community colleges, adult schools, and community-based organizations that provide or wish to provide significant employment or training services.
The FSET Expansion Initiative, a project of the Insight Center for Community Economic Development, is leading the California effort to design and disseminate this model. It works with the State, Federal government and community partners to design policies and procedures. It also helps pilot projects to decide whether to implement an FSET program, understand administrative requirements, and tailor the model for local needs.
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