Feds Seek Proposals for SNAP Pilot Projects

As reported in a recent Governing article, the U.S. Department of Agriculture is seeking state proposals for three-year pilot programs that would associate Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, or food stamps) eligibility with a recipient’s employment status.

The federal farm bill Congress passed in February included $200 million for (1) up to ten state pilot programs that tied food stamp eligibility to employment and (2) an independent evaluator to test the pilots’ effectiveness.

The article notes that to be eligible for one of the grants, a state’s pilot program must:

1. take place in urban and rural areas;
2. target people with limited work experience or skills;
3. appear easy to replicate in other jurisdictions; and
4. test various strategies, such as job training and assistance, and child care subsidies. 

According to the article, “[t]he farm bill specifically calls for testing both mandatory and voluntary employment and training programs.”

States must submit their applications by November 14, 2014.