The FoodShare program, Wisconsin’s implementation of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), serves as a critical lifeline for low-income individuals and families, providing essential support to purchase food from participating retailers. In 2023, the program distributed approximately $1.5 billion in benefits to eligible Wisconsin residents, underscoring its significance in addressing food insecurity across the state. Central to the program’s integrity is the quality control (QC) process, which ensures that benefits are distributed accurately and fairly. Managed by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), the FoodShare QC process involves rigorous case reviews to verify eligibility, detect errors, and maintain compliance with federal regulations set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS).
Katie Sepnieski, a key figure in Wisconsin’s DHS, has played a pivotal role in overseeing aspects of the FoodShare program, including its quality control initiatives. As a leader within the Bureau of Eligibility Operations and Training, Sepnieski has been instrumental in advancing operational efficiency and policy adherence, ensuring that the program meets the needs of Wisconsin’s diverse population while maintaining accountability. This article explores the intricacies of Wisconsin’s FoodShare quality control process, its impact on program effectiveness, and Sepnieski’s contributions to its success. Spanning approximately 5,000 words, the discussion delves into the program’s framework, challenges, innovations, and future directions, providing a comprehensive analysis of how quality control safeguards FoodShare’s mission.
The FoodShare Program: A Cornerstone of Food Security
Overview of FoodShare
FoodShare, Wisconsin’s SNAP, is designed to alleviate hunger and food insecurity by providing monthly benefits to low-income households. Eligibility is determined based on factors such as income, household size, and expenses, with benefits issued via Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards for use at authorized retailers. The program’s reach is substantial, supporting thousands of households annually and addressing a persistent need in a state where food insecurity remains a concern, particularly in the wake of economic challenges like inflation and post-pandemic recovery.
The program’s success hinges on its ability to deliver benefits accurately and equitably. Errors in eligibility determination or benefit issuance—whether overissuances (providing more benefits than warranted) or underissuances (providing fewer)—can undermine trust and efficiency. This is where quality control becomes indispensable, serving as a mechanism to ensure that the program operates within federal guidelines while meeting the needs of participants.
The Role of Quality Control in FoodShare
Quality control in FoodShare is a systematic process conducted by the Wisconsin DHS to review a random sample of cases and verify that benefits are issued correctly. The process involves detailed interviews with participants, document verification, and assessments of local agency decisions to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations. The goal is to maintain a low error rate, as high error rates can lead to federal sanctions or reduced funding, while also ensuring that participants receive the benefits they are entitled to.
The QC process is not merely a compliance exercise; it is a commitment to fairness. By identifying and correcting errors, DHS ensures that resources are allocated appropriately, preventing both waste and deprivation. The process also provides valuable data on systemic issues, informing policy updates and training for local agency staff.
The Quality Control Process in Detail
Case Selection and Notification
The FoodShare QC process begins with the random selection of cases from the pool of active FoodShare recipients. This randomness ensures that the sample is representative of the program’s diverse participant base, covering urban and rural areas, different household compositions, and varying income levels. Once selected, participants receive a letter from DHS notifying them of their inclusion in the review and providing contact information for scheduling an interview. Participation is mandatory, and failure to comply can result in sanctions, including potential loss of benefits.
The notification process is designed to be accessible, with materials available in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Somali, Hmong, Swahili, Arabic, Karen, Laotian, and Burmese, reflecting Wisconsin’s commitment to serving its diverse population. Participants are encouraged to contact the DHS FoodShare Quality Control team at DHSFSQC@dhs.wisconsin.gov for assistance with scheduling or questions about the process.
The Interview and Document Verification
The QC interview is a critical component of the review, during which a quality control reviewer collects detailed information about the participant’s household, income, expenses, and other relevant factors. The interview may be conducted in person, over the phone, or virtually, depending on the participant’s preference and circumstances. Reviewers may request documents such as pay stubs, utility bills, or proof of residency to verify the information provided.
This step is meticulous, as reviewers cross-reference the participant’s data with records in the Client Assistance for Re-employment and Economic Support (CARES) system, Wisconsin’s automated eligibility determination platform. Any discrepancies are noted, and reviewers assess whether the local agency’s benefit decision was accurate. The process is governed by federal regulations, ensuring consistency and objectivity.
Error Identification and Resolution
The QC review categorizes cases into three outcomes: correct cases, overissuances, and underissuances. Correct cases indicate that the benefits were issued accurately based on the participant’s eligibility. Overissuances occur when participants receive more benefits than they are entitled to, often due to unreported income or errors in expense calculations. Underissuances, conversely, occur when participants receive less than they are eligible for, potentially exacerbating food insecurity.
If errors are identified, participants receive a letter detailing the findings and any resulting changes to their benefits. The letter also includes instructions for appealing the decision, ensuring that participants have recourse if they disagree with the outcome. Errors are reported to the USDA FNS, which uses the data to calculate Wisconsin’s payment error rate (PER), a key metric for assessing program performance.
Reporting and Systemic Improvements
The DHS generates several reports to analyze QC findings, including the Case Error Rate Report, FoodShare Eligibility Findings Report, and FoodShare Errors by Error Type Report. These reports break down errors by type (e.g., agency-preventable, client-caused, or system-related) and cause, providing insights into areas for improvement. For example, the FoodShare Primary Error Element and Cause Report identifies specific factors contributing to errors, such as misreported income or incorrect application of deductions.
These reports inform targeted interventions, such as enhanced training for Income Maintenance (IM) workers or updates to the CARES system. By addressing root causes, DHS aims to reduce error rates and improve the program’s efficiency.
Katie Sepnieski’s Role in FoodShare Quality Control
Background and Leadership
Katie Sepnieski serves as the Deputy Director of the Bureau of Eligibility Operations and Training within the Wisconsin DHS, a role that places her at the forefront of FoodShare’s operational and policy framework. Her responsibilities include overseeing eligibility processes, training programs, and quality control initiatives, ensuring that the program operates smoothly and complies with federal standards. Sepnieski’s leadership has been recognized in various DHS meetings, where she has facilitated discussions, approved meeting minutes, and introduced key personnel, such as Pungnou Her, the Enrollment Management Central Application Processing Operation (EMCAPO) section manager.
Her work extends beyond FoodShare to other DHS programs, including Medicaid, reflecting her broad expertise in public assistance administration. Sepnieski’s commitment to experiential learning and professional development, as noted in her LinkedIn activity, underscores her focus on building a skilled workforce capable of delivering high-quality services.
Contributions to Quality Control
Sepnieski has been instrumental in advancing Wisconsin’s FoodShare QC efforts. Under her leadership, the state has implemented innovative strategies to reduce error rates and enhance program integrity. One notable achievement is the introduction of a new case review system, which has improved the accuracy of eligibility determinations and reduced both overissuances and underissuances. This system, discussed at the Walworth County Health & Human Services Board meeting on June 18, 2025, has positioned Wisconsin as a leader in SNAP quality control.
Sepnieski’s oversight of the Bureau of Eligibility Operations and Training has also facilitated the integration of data-driven decision-making into the QC process. By leveraging reports like the FoodShare Eligibility Findings Report and the FoodShare Payment Error Rate Report, her team identifies trends and implements corrective actions promptly. These efforts have contributed to Wisconsin’s improved error rates, earning recognition from federal partners and stakeholders.
Policy and Training Initiatives
Training is a cornerstone of effective quality control, and Sepnieski has prioritized the development of comprehensive training programs for IM workers. These programs focus on accurate eligibility determination, proper use of the CARES system, and adherence to federal guidelines. By equipping staff with the knowledge and tools needed to process cases correctly, Sepnieski has reduced agency-preventable errors, which are a significant component of the FoodShare Errors by Error Type Report.
Additionally, Sepnieski has championed policy updates to address emerging challenges, such as changes in federal SNAP regulations or shifts in Wisconsin’s economic landscape. Her involvement in policy discussions, as evidenced by her role in DHS meeting minutes, ensures that FoodShare remains responsive to the needs of participants while maintaining compliance.
Challenges in FoodShare Quality Control
Balancing Compliance and Accessibility
One of the primary challenges in FoodShare QC is balancing the need for rigorous compliance with the need to make the program accessible to participants. The mandatory nature of QC interviews can be daunting for some recipients, particularly those with language barriers, disabilities, or limited access to transportation. DHS has addressed this by offering multilingual resources and flexible interview options, but gaps remain in reaching underserved populations.
Error Rates and Federal Oversight
High error rates can trigger federal sanctions, including financial penalties or increased scrutiny from the USDA FNS. While Wisconsin has made strides in reducing error rates, challenges persist, particularly with client-caused errors (e.g., unreported income) and system-related errors in the CARES platform. Sepnieski’s leadership has been critical in addressing these issues through targeted interventions, but ongoing vigilance is required to maintain low error rates.
Post-Pandemic Recovery
The COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges for FoodShare, including temporary suspensions of QC reviews and interviews in April and May 2020. When reviews resumed on June 1, 2020, DHS faced a backlog of cases and heightened demand due to economic hardship. The post-pandemic period has seen sustained high participation in FoodShare, driven by factors like high food prices and reduced stigma around public assistance. This increased demand underscores the importance of robust QC processes to ensure that benefits are distributed equitably.
Innovations and Future Directions
Technological Advancements
Wisconsin’s adoption of a new case review system represents a significant step forward in QC efficiency. This system leverages data analytics to identify patterns in errors, allowing DHS to address systemic issues proactively. Future innovations may include enhanced automation in the CARES system, reducing manual errors and streamlining eligibility determinations.
Community Engagement and Outreach
To improve participation in QC reviews, DHS is exploring ways to enhance community engagement, such as partnering with local organizations to provide support during the review process. Sepnieski’s leadership in this area could drive initiatives to make the process more inclusive, particularly for marginalized communities.
Policy Advocacy
As federal SNAP policies evolve, Wisconsin must adapt its QC processes to remain compliant. Sepnieski’s role in policy advocacy ensures that the state’s interests are represented in discussions with the USDA FNS. For example, the preservation of nearly $70 million in FoodShare funds following a Wisconsin Supreme Court ruling highlights the importance of strong leadership in navigating complex policy challenges.
Conclusion
Wisconsin’s FoodShare quality control process is a vital component of the program’s success, ensuring that benefits are distributed accurately and fairly to those in need. Under the leadership of Katie Sepnieski, the Wisconsin DHS has made significant strides in reducing error rates, improving training, and implementing innovative systems to enhance program integrity. Despite challenges like federal oversight, post-pandemic recovery, and accessibility barriers, the state’s commitment to rigorous QC processes has strengthened FoodShare’s impact on reducing hunger and food insecurity.
Looking ahead, continued investment in technology, training, and community engagement will be essential to sustaining these gains. Sepnieski’s leadership, characterized by a focus on data-driven decision-making and policy advocacy, positions Wisconsin to remain a model for effective SNAP administration. By prioritizing fairness, accuracy, and accessibility, the FoodShare program will continue to serve as a cornerstone of support for Wisconsin’s most vulnerable residents, ensuring that no one goes hungry due to administrative oversights or systemic failures.
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