NACo releases new resource on SNAP

Key Takeaways

NACo has released a new analysis of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provisions included in the House- and Senate-passed farm bill reauthorizations.

Learn More

SNAP proposal comparison chart

NACo’s analysis explains the differences between the two chambers’ reauthorization bills as they relate to SNAP and the potential impacts these provisions could have on counties. SNAP is a public assistance program offering nutrition support to eligible low-income individuals and families. The program currently serves 42 million residents across the nation and accounts for 80 percent of spending in the farm bill.

Following passage of farm bill reauthorization legislation, the House named 47 Republicans and Democrats to serve on a conference committee to reconcile differences between the House and Senate proposals. Senate leadership had been expected to select its own conferees in the next several days, but the process stalled after members failed to reach consensus on amendments to the farm bill. Once the House and Senate come to an agreement on the farm bill legislation, both chambers must then pass the new version of the bill before it can be sent to the president for his signature.

Although SNAP is primarily a partnership between the federal government and states, 10 states delegate SNAP administration directly to county agencies, which covers services for 31 percent of all program recipients.