A. It shall be the mandatory duty of the Department of Human Services to participate in the food stamp program under the Food Stamp Act of 1977, as amended. The cost of distributing food stamp benefits shall be paid by the Department.

B. 1. The Department may, at its option:

a.operate the program of distributing food stamp benefits to families certified as eligible by the Department, or

b.contract with private or public entities for the distribution of food stamp benefits.

2. Any program for distribution of food stamp benefits operated pursuant to the provisions of this subsection shall provide:

a.adequate qualified personnel, suitable facilities, and adequate participant access to such benefits through a system of electronic benefits transfer,

b.adequate qualified personnel and suitable facilities for storage and issuing of any required food stamp coupons for benefits,

c.any bonding of personnel, and insurance required by the Commission for Human Services, and

d.that such exchange, distribution and accounting of food stamp benefits shall be in compliance with all federal and state regulations and rules applicable thereto.

C. Food stamp benefits may be obtained through one or more approved food stores, or through other means approved by the Department.

Added by Laws 1972, c. 62, § 1, operative July 1, 1972. Amended by Laws 1993, c. 177, § 1, emerg. eff. May 13, 1993; Laws 1994, c. 87, § 30, eff. Sept. 1, 1994; Laws 1999, c. 17, § 1, emerg. eff. April 5, 1999.