Adams-sponsored bill would preserve SNAP, job training

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A bill sponsored by U.S. Rep. Alma Adams (D-N.C.) would allow jobseekers to keep SNAP benefits while enrolled in federal workforce programs.

A bill filed in the U.S. House would close a loophole that denies federal food benefits to people who participate in job training programs.

The bipartisan Training and Nutrition Stability Act, sponsored by Rep. Alma Adams of Charlotte, would allow jobseekers in workforce programs to earn federal training dollars and maintain their nutrition benefits. Under current law, people who enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and federal workforce training programs risk losing benefits because they earn temporary wages in job training or work-based learning programs.  

“Food security programs shouldn’t punish people for building skills and seeking employment,” Adams said in a statement. “That’s why the Training and Nutrition Stability Act ensures that earnings from employment and training programs do not decrease SNAP benefits for hungry families, nor prevent participation in federal job-training programs where SNAP eligibility is a requirement. Making the choice to participate in job training should reduce food insecurity, not perpetuate it. This bill helps ensure the original intent of bipartisan legislation that included subsidized employment and apprenticeship as part of SNAP employment and training activities.”

In addition to Adams, a Democrat, H.R. 3087 is co-sponsored by Reps. Adriano Espaillat (D-N.Y.), Max Miller (R-Ohio) and Marcus Molinaro (R-N.Y.).  

“The Training and Nutrition Stability Act would ensure the SNAP E&T program meets its congressionally authorized mission of helping participants gain new skills and transition smoothly to permanent employment and self-sufficiency,” said Sam Schaeffer, CEO of the Center for Employment Opportunities, “all while maintaining critical nutrition support during their training program.”

Under the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, Congress empowered state agencies administering SNAP to reimburse E&T partners for paying temporary wages to participants in authorized work-based learning programs, but the provision led to participants being disqualified from SNAP, and E&T because wages counted against SNAP income eligibility calculations.  

“No one should have to choose between job training that will help them find economic security and putting food on the table,” Schaeffer said.  

Miller added: “Qualified SNAP recipients should not be penalized for working or seeking the education they need to support themselves. This legislation ensures that their nutritional needs are met without forcing them to abandon their goals of breaking out of the cycle of poverty. This bill will benefit eligible SNAP recipients and taxpayers alike in the long run.”   

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