New SNAP Data Grant Program Aims to Cut Paperwork and Link Job Training Programs

The SNAP E&T Data And Technical Assistance (DATA) Act of 2025 is setting up a competitive grant program to help states modernize the data systems they use for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program’s (SNAP) employment and training (E&T) programs. Think of it as a much-needed IT upgrade for the job training side of SNAP. The core idea, laid out in Section 2, is to make these programs run smoother, cut down on paperwork hassles, and ensure better privacy for recipients.

The Upgrade: Making SNAP Data Talk to Workforce Programs

This bill focuses heavily on connectivity. The Secretary of Agriculture will award grants to states that propose to link their SNAP E&T data with other major workforce development programs, specifically those under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). If you’ve ever had to fill out the same form five times for five different government agencies, this provision is for you. The goal is a more unified system where if you qualify for SNAP job training, the system can easily check if you’re also eligible for WIOA training or other education resources. This linkage is meant to create a more efficient pathway from receiving benefits to finding stable work, reducing the administrative burden on individuals trying to juggle multiple programs.

To secure the grant money—$15 million is set aside annually from fiscal years 2026 through 2030—states must show they can contribute non-Federal funds and that they plan to use the resulting data for research and program improvement. The Secretary will prioritize states that haven't received these grants before and those that can demonstrate the biggest need. Up to 20% of the funds can be reserved for technical assistance, which means states that struggle with IT infrastructure can get help setting up these new systems rather than being left behind.

Privacy Is the Priority

For anyone concerned about their personal information being shared, the bill is explicit about data security. Any data collected using these grant funds can only be used to strengthen the SNAP E&T programs. Furthermore, the bill ensures that this collected information is protected from public disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), specifically exempting it under section 552(b)(3). Crucially, the systems must be designed to always protect the identity and location of SNAP applicants and recipients, adhering to security standards set by the Secretary. This means better data systems should lead to better protection, not less.

Holding the System Accountable

Section 3 brings in the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to ensure this data upgrade actually translates into better services. The GAO is tasked with reviewing how states are handling "co-enrollment"—getting people signed up for multiple, coordinated programs at once—and figuring out the best ways to "braid" different funding sources together to improve the quality of job training programs. For example, if a state uses SNAP funds for basic training but uses WIOA funds to pay for childcare during that training, the GAO wants to identify the most effective ways to make that coordination seamless.

Within one year, the GAO must report back to Congress with recommendations on how to improve the data grants and the overall system. This focus on accountability and best practices is designed to make sure the $15 million investment actually results in real-world improvements for the people relying on these programs to get back on their feet.