A second state agency has decided to terminate its contract with Kauai Independent Food Bank.

The Department of Human Services informed Norma Barton, acting executive director of Kauai Independent Food Bank, on Thursday that it will not renew a contract for fiscal year 2012 to provide outreach services for the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Outreach Program. The contract ended Sept. 30.

The department made its decision almost three weeks after the Office of Community Services recommended that Hawaii Foodbank’s Kauai Branch receive federal Emergency Food Assistance Program support instead of Kauai Independent. Distribution costs and food supply were among reasons for the change.

"Based upon that decision, which appears to be well founded, the Department of Human Services has also determined that it’s in the best interest of the community to not renew this particular contract and to explore other possible avenues for assisting in outreach and education," said Pat McManaman, director of the Department of Human Services.

The Department of Human Services has had a contract with Kauai Independent since March 2009 to help the state seek potential eligible residents for the SNAP program, formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, and assist them with applications.

In fiscal year 2009 the food bank received approximately $84,074, most in federal funds. In fiscal year 2010 it received approximately $198,136, more than half in federal funds and the rest in private funds. In fiscal year 2011 the food bank received approximately $177,976, half of it federal and the other half private.

More than 600 households received assistance from Kauai Independent in the past fiscal year, according to spokesman Tom Lodico. He said the group would like to continue the outreach services.

"We’re just trying to help folks, especially the kupuna," said Lodico, saying that seniors might be reluctant to seek assistance directly from state offices. "They have less hesitation asking us."