Federal officials offer to help some Californians leave public assistance through test program

Federal officials say some Californians who rely on food stamps will receive help getting back on the job through a pilot program aimed at reducing the cost of public assistance.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is expected to announce Friday that Fresno County will receive $12.1 million to provide parents reliable child daycare enabling them to return to work or job training programs. The USDA is funding a $200 million, three-year test project in 10 states.

Jesus Mendoza, a USDA regional administrator in San Francisco, says Fresno was chosen because of its high unemployment exacerbated by drought.

He says too often, parents living on low incomes have to decide between going to work and staying home to take care of their children.