Western region SNAP Director Charles Tobin visits territory

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Western Regional Office SNAP director praised the local DHSS managed program as “a robust program” during his recent visit to the territory.

Charles Tobin was in the territory this past week for his inaugural visit with Dept of Health & Social Services (DHSS) staff and the American Samoa Nutrition Assistance Program (food stamp program).

SNAP Director Tobin shared with DHSS Director Muavaefa’atasi John E. Suisala and the program leadership that, “ASNAP has operated a robust program under your leadership, and I look forward to learning your processes and EBT [electronic benefit transfer or debit card] implementation strategy.”

Being of Samoan descent with ties to both American Samoa and Samoa, Director Tobin shared his vision to expand access for underserved populations, with a special focus on the unique challenges and opportunities in American Samoa and other Pacific jurisdictions.

A press release from DHSS points out that with the timing of the visit, Director Tobin was able to see ASNAP employees in action as he arrived during the first week of mass issuance for food stamps.

He witnessed first- hand the process of picking up food stamp coupons and he was able to address DHSS employees when he attended Christmas caroling practice before returning to California over the weekend

Director Muavaefa’atasi expressed his gratitude to Director Tobin for his continued support and for advocating for all people who need these services. He also expressed appreciation to Governor Lemanu P.S. Mauga and Lieutenant Governor Talauega E.V. Ale for their steadfast leadership and support for DHSS, ASNAP, and its other programs and services.

Before becoming the WRO SNAP Director in November 2019, Mr. Tobin served in the U.S. Army for almost 35 years before retiring as a Command Sargent Major. Also, throughout his distinguished years of service in the Armed Forces, he served with Governor Lemanu, First Lady Ella Mauga, and many other Toa o Samoa with whom he was able to reconnect during this visit.

Organized under the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the WRO SNAP Office oversees Alaska, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, American Samoa, and the other Pacific jurisdictions of Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.