Sunshine Sentinel

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed), a program administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), educates and provides resources to individuals who are eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The program teaches SNAP recipients about nutrition, obesity prevention, and smart food budgeting decisions. Currently, the funding allocation process uses an outdated formula that relies on SNAP-Ed spending data from 2009, which disadvantages fast-growing states, including Florida. 

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) introduced the SNAP Education Allocation Modernization Act to modernize the formula used by SNAP-Ed to determine each state’s allocation without increasing topline spending.

• “SNAP-Ed is an important tool, but the current formula used to determine SNAP-Ed funding for each state is outdated and disadvantages most states. There is no reason to continue using an outdated formula based on data from 2009. My SNAP Education Allocation Modernization Act will ensure states receive funding that is responsive to the needs of their residents.” – Senator Rubio

The funds allocated by the USDA currently disadvantage states that have seen recent population increases, such as Florida. In FY2021, Florida accounted for 8.1 percent of SNAP recipients but received only 2.66 percent of SNAP-Ed funding. In contrast, California accounted for 10.4 percent of all SNAP recipients but received 25.9 percent of all SNAP-Ed funding. 

Specifically, the bill:

• Phases out, over five years, the current formula based on each state’s SNAP-Ed expenditure in FY 2009. 
• Requires the formula to be based entirely upon the number of SNAP recipients in each state to ensure a more even distribution of funds.
• Proposes a funding allocation method that would lead to an increase in funding for 32 states.

Original source can be found here.