WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a directive on April 17 requiring state agencies administering the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to prioritize work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs). This effort aims to ensure that federal nutrition assistance programs promote employment, reduce reliance on public aid, and uphold fiscal responsibility.
“Since my confirmation, I have reiterated the states are our partners, and this includes ensuring our nutrition programs are tied to putting Americans back to work,” said Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. She emphasized, “Today marks the start of a new era for SNAP—prioritizing work, career and technical education, and volunteering rather than idleness, excess spending, and misapplication of the law.”
The memorandum builds on the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023, which amended the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to reinforce employment and income growth as core elements of the SNAP program. States must now strengthen compliance with work requirements, while waivers for ABAWDs will only be granted under limited circumstances, such as unemployment rates exceeding 10% or insufficient job availability.
The USDA reaffirmed its commitment to assisting state agencies with technical support during the waiver review process to ensure that federal guidelines are implemented appropriately. This initiative follows the principles of the Personal Responsibility, Work, and Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, which linked federal aid benefits to individual employment efforts as a path to self-sufficiency.
Looking ahead, the USDA and its Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) also plan to review regulatory frameworks governing SNAP policies to further align with legislative priorities. By reasserting work requirements, the USDA aims to enhance the integrity of federal nutrition programs while supporting a future where more Americans achieve economic independence.
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