The USDA Food and Nutrition Service Offers SNAP E&T Data and Technical Assistance Grants

The purpose of the SNAP E&T Data and Technical Assistance (DATA) Grants is to support the development of State SNAP E&T data collection systems and processes, as well as enhance States’ ability to critically review and analyze program services and outcomes for continuous program improvement.

The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) administers the nutrition assistance programs of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). SNAP is the cornerstone of USDA’s nutrition assistance programs. It began in its modern form in 1961, but has its origins in the Food Stamp Plan to help the poor in the 1930s. SNAP is the largest program in the domestic hunger safety net and provides nutrition assistance benefits via an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card to millions of low-income people. These benefits help supplement household food budgets so recipients can purchase more healthy food.

SNAP participants are expected to seek and accept work if they are able. Participants who are not specifically exempted by statute, such as those who are caring for a dependent child under 6 or who cannot work due to a physical or mental condition, are subject to work requirements as a condition of eligibility. General SNAP work requirements include: registering for work, not voluntarily quitting a job or reducing work hours, taking a suitable job if offered, and participating in an employment and training program as assigned by the State agency. In addition to these general work requirements, able-bodied adults without dependents are required by statute to work or participate in a work program for at least 20 hours per week or participate in workfare in order to receive SNAP benefits for longer than 3 months in a 36-month period.

States are required to operate a SNAP Employment and Training (E&T) program to help participants gain skills, education, training, and experience that lead to good, stable jobs and greater economic stability. USDA is committed to working with States and interested stakeholders to develop E&T programs that are equitable, data driven, more effective and efficient, and which have improved employment and earnings outcomes for all program participants.

FNS seeks to fund Fiscal year 2022 Data Grants covering two tracks:

1.    Advancing Equity within SNAP E&T programs; and

2.    Improving SNAP E&T Data Validity and Reliability.

State agencies may apply for one or both tracks. All funds are contingent upon the availability of funding.