The grant could provide up to $6,000,000.
The purpose of the SNAP E&T Data and Technical Assistance (DATA) Grants is to support the development of State SNAP E&T data collection systems and processes, as well as enhance States' ability to critically review and analyze program services and outcomes for continuous program improvement. The entities eligible to receive grants under this competition are State and local agencies that administer SNAP. Program Description The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) administers the nutrition assistance programs of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). SNAP is the cornerstone of USDAs nutrition assistance programs. It began in its modern form in 1961 but has its origins in the Food Stamp Plan to help the poor in the 1930s. SNAP is the largest program in the domestic hunger safety net and provides nutrition assistance benefits via an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card to millions of low-income people. These benefits help supplement household food budgets so recipients can purchase more healthy food. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (P.L. 117-328), provides approximately $6 million, in discretionary grant funds to support State and local agencies in the development of E&T data collection systems and processes that enhance States' ability review and analyze program services and outcomes for continuous program improvement, as well as additional funds for technical assistance, so that States can become more effective, data driven E&T providers. FNS is interested in funding projects that further State's ability to use data to continually advance equity in SNAP E&T programs.