Reed, House Pass Reauthorization of SNAP Benefits

Press Release

"Nutrition Reform and Work Opportunity Act" provides benefits, encourages job skills

Rep. Tom Reed and the House of Representatives Thursday passed the Nutrition Reform and Work Opportunity Act to reauthorize the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and make meaningful improvements to the food stamp program that has not been reformed since 1996.

"This bill gives integrity to food assistance programs, refocuses the program on those who need it most, and gives individuals the tools they need to help themselves and their families become self-sufficient," Reed said. "Reforms like encouraging able-bodied adults without children to take positive steps like work activities, job training, or volunteering, will help them break the welfare cycle and become financially independent."

Under the bill, all adult recipients who meet income and asset tests and are willing to comply with work requirements will continue to receive benefits. In order to comply with the work requirement, beneficiaries will participate job activities like job training or community service and volunteering opportunities. The legislation also restores integrity as to how states may deem a beneficiary for another assistance program to be eligible for SNAP, ensuring that the individual is actually in need. For example, current practice allows states to send an individual a brochure or refer them to services, allowing them to qualify for SNAP.

"The food stamp program should not be designed to keep people at the bottom, it should help them if they fall and encourage them to succeed," Reed continued. "Those who truly care about low-income individuals and families want to help them out of poverty and become financially self-sufficient, not trap them in an unfair system."

The Nutrition Reform and Work Opportunity Act is the corresponding nutrition title to the five-year Farm Bill passed through the House in July.

Source