Changes to SNAP Eligibility Included in House Farm Bill Draft
Today, the House Agriculture Committee is marking up the 2018 Farm Bill. Included in the draft legislation, released last week, is a major overhaul of the Supplementary Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The most significant proposed change would institute work requirements for SNAP recipients, requiring able-bodied adults between the ages of 18 and 59 to work or be enrolled in a job-training program for at least 20 hours a week beginning in FY21 (it would increase to 25 hours per week starting in FY26) in order to receive benefits. This proposal is being met with disappointment from committee Democrats.
There is also a proposal to require the Agriculture Department to collect sample data from retailers on SNAP transactions. There are currently no restrictions on the types of food that can be purchased or on the type of retailer that can accept SNAP.
CDA is monitoring the markup closely. The bill is expected on the House floor in early May, and CDA will be lobbying for SNAP choice as part of our advocacy during CDA’s Day on the Hill next month.