Press Releases

Washington, D.C. – Today, the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Nutrition held a hearing to evaluate technology and modernization in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Subcommittee Chairman Rep. Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson and members of the committee heard from a variety of witnesses on the ways technology and modernization improve the customer experience, streamline delivery of services and ease administrative burden. This hearing is a continuation of the committee’s hearing series leading up to the next farm bill.

“It’s critical we evaluate the opportunities and challenges of effectively managing SNAP in an evolving, 21^st century economy,” said Subcommittee Chairman Thompson. “Given that SNAP is the largest domestic hunger safety net program in the country, opportunities exist to improve and streamline the program through the use of technology. The introduction of EBT cards created a more efficient and adaptable program, better meeting customer needs and helping to maintain program integrity. Now, with so many states transitioning to new integrated eligibility systems, agencies have the opportunity to improve program operations, modernize the eligibility determination process and improve customer service through technology. I look forward to working closely with the committee as we begin our work on the next farm bill to incorporate what we learned from today’s hearing.”

“Throughout the committee’s two-year review of SNAP, I’ve consistently said that we need to focus on getting the policy right,” said Agriculture Committee Chairman K. Michael Conaway. “As we craft the next farm bill, enhancements in technology and modernization of SNAP will be important to the improving the efficiency and efficacy of the program to best serve our nation’s most vulnerable citizens.”