The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS), in collaboration with the Bureau for Family Assistance (BFA) and Coalfield Development Corporation, has received recognition from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS). This acknowledgment comes as part of their innovative partnership through BFA’s voluntary SNAP Employment & Training (SNAP E&T) program aimed at Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program participants.
As part of the “More Than a Job” campaign to promote SNAP E&T nationwide, the federal agency released a video showcasing this partnership unique to West Virginia. The video is intended to serve as a model for other states in structuring their own SNAP E&T programs effectively.
All states are federally required to operate SNAP E&T programs, but like most states, West Virginia receives limited federal funding for this purpose. Therefore, West Virginia operates its program on a voluntary basis to help SNAP recipients develop skills leading to better long-term employment opportunities and reduce reliance on federal benefits provided by SNAP.
Janie Cole, DoHS Bureau for Family Assistance Commissioner, stated, “We first partnered with Coalfield in 2020 as part of our efforts to make our voluntary SNAP E&T program the best in the nation. This collaboration has been wonderful for the clients we share with them.” She added that “the new video from USDA really is a powerful testament to what Coalfield does for SNAP recipients who volunteer to participate in the E&T program. We hope to continue this wonderful partnership, as well as our other excellent partnerships with Goodwill, WV Women Work, and Blenko Glass.”
The partnership with Blenko Glass also serves as a model for other states. Initiated in November 2023, it is one of only a few SNAP E&T partnerships with a for-profit business nationwide.
SNAP/SNAP E&T clients interested in job opportunities should consult their DoHS county office caseworker. Organizations wishing to partner with DoHS to serve SNAP E&T clients are encouraged to contact BFA through their website.
