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BlogOn April 21, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Office of Head Start announced that families currently enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) would now be automatically eligible for Head Start and Early Head Start services, including school readiness, nutrition and family support.HHS announces SNAP enrolled families now eligible for Head Start
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Blog
HHS announces SNAP enrolled families now eligible for Head Start
On April 21, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Office of Head Start announced that families currently enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) would now be automatically eligible for Head Start and Early Head Start services, including school readiness, nutrition and family support. Previously, this option only existed for recipients of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Counties administer, operate and contribute to the funding of federal safety net programs that help vulnerable residents thrive, including both SNAP and Head Start/Early Head Start. This new expanded eligibility will provide additional benefits for SNAP recipients and counties that administer the programs including better coordination between programs, reduced administrative burden and new eligibility for food-insecure children and families.
Counties strongly support efforts to bolster enrollment into critical programs that develop early learning skills in social and emotional well-being, healthy lifestyles, language and literacy skills, mathematics and other academic needs. NACo will continue to monitor federal actions that support and facilitate integrated delivery of social services programs.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
- NACo Toolkit: The County Human Services and Education Landscape
- NACo Blog: USDA announces $5 million in competitive grants for SNAP modernization
- NACo Policy Brief: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Reauthorization and Appropriations
- NACo Legislative Toolkit: Priorities for Strengthening the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Counties for Kids Campaign
On April 21, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Office of Head Start announced that families currently enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) would now be automatically eligible for Head Start and Early Head Start services, including school readiness, nutrition and family support.2022-05-05Blog2022-05-05
On April 21, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Office of Head Start announced that families currently enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) would now be automatically eligible for Head Start and Early Head Start services, including school readiness, nutrition and family support. Previously, this option only existed for recipients of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Counties administer, operate and contribute to the funding of federal safety net programs that help vulnerable residents thrive, including both SNAP and Head Start/Early Head Start. This new expanded eligibility will provide additional benefits for SNAP recipients and counties that administer the programs including better coordination between programs, reduced administrative burden and new eligibility for food-insecure children and families.
Counties strongly support efforts to bolster enrollment into critical programs that develop early learning skills in social and emotional well-being, healthy lifestyles, language and literacy skills, mathematics and other academic needs. NACo will continue to monitor federal actions that support and facilitate integrated delivery of social services programs.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
- NACo Toolkit: The County Human Services and Education Landscape
- NACo Blog: USDA announces $5 million in competitive grants for SNAP modernization
- NACo Policy Brief: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Reauthorization and Appropriations
- NACo Legislative Toolkit: Priorities for Strengthening the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Counties for Kids Campaign

About Rachel Mackey (Full Bio)
Legislative Director – Human Services & Education | Veterans & Military Services
Rachel serves as legislative director for human services and education.More from Rachel Mackey
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Blog
Addressing social determinants of health with GIS technology
Discover the transformative power of GIS technology in addressing social determinants of health and building healthier communities. -
Blog
HHS proposes new rule to improve availability of kinship foster care homes
On February 14, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families (ACF) announced a new proposed regulation that would allow child welfare agencies to adopt less burdensome licensing standards for all relative and kinship foster family homes. -
Blog
Pandemic-era SNAP benefits expire
On March 1, the temporary boost to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits known as emergency allotments came to an end. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, these increased monthly benefits were authorized in 2020 by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA, P.L. 116-127) and provided vulnerable households with additional grocery benefits to help mitigate the negative economic impacts caused by the pandemic. -
County News
Just a phone call away: County program matches seniors with new friends to deter isolation
Dutchess County, N.Y. is pairing volunteers with seniors to help build new friendships and connections via regular phone calls. -
County News
Peers recognize Rock County, Wis. opioid settlement plan
Hearing from the people most affected by substance use disorder helped Rock County, Wis. craft a plan for the funds it will receive from the national opioid settlements. -
Blog
HHS releases guidance on the end of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
On February 9, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released new guidance on the agency’s plan to end the federal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency declaration on May 11, 2023.
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Webinar
County Strategies to Provide Supportive Housing for Familiar Faces
March 29, 2023 , 2:00 pm – 3:00 pmWhat does it take to house and support familiar faces?03292:00 pm<p> What does it take to house and support familiar faces?
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County Leaders Championing Justice Efforts in Local Communities
April 5, 2023 , 2:00 pm – 3:00 pmCounties are directing resources to programs, practices and policies to reduce the overuse and misuse of the criminal legal system, improve public safety, better serve residents with behavioral health conditions and improve community stability and health.04052:00 pm<p>Counties are directing resources to programs, practices and policies to reduce the overuse and misuse of the criminal legal system, improve public safety, better serve residents with behavioral health conditions and improve communit
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Transforming County Human Services Network
Counties Matter in Human Services There are over 257,000 county human services employees across the country delivering vital services to our nation’s most vulnerable populations.pagepagepage<h3><strong>Counties Matter in Human Services</strong></h3>
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Human Services & Education Steering Committee
All matters pertaining to children’s issues, foster care, public assistance and income support, services to senior citizens and individuals with disabilities, immigration policy, social services, and elementary, secondary and post-secondary education. Policy Platform & Resolutions 2022-2023 2022 NACo Legislative Prioritiespagepagepage<p>All matters pertaining to children’s issues, foster care, public assistance and income support, services to senior citizens and individuals with disabilities, immigration policy, social services, and elementary,
Contact
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Legislative Director – Human Services & Education | Veterans & Military Services(202) 661-8843
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Legislative Assistant(202) 942-4259
Related Posts
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BlogAddressing social determinants of health with GIS technologyMar. 15, 2023
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BlogHHS proposes new rule to improve availability of kinship foster care homesMar. 14, 2023
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BlogPandemic-era SNAP benefits expireMar. 13, 2023
Related Resources
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Reports & ToolkitsThe County Role In Long-Term CareFeb. 24, 2023
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Reports & ToolkitsLegislative Toolkit for Counties: Priorities for Strengthening the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)Feb. 11, 2023
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Policy BriefSupport the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF)Feb. 1, 2023
Related Events
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29Mar2023Webinar
County Strategies to Provide Supportive Housing for Familiar Faces
Mar. 29, 2023 , 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm -
5Apr2023Webinar
County Leaders Championing Justice Efforts in Local Communities
Apr. 5, 2023 , 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm