Last week, the USDA began accepting applications for grants aimed at SNAP Modernization.
Last week the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) began accepting applications for the the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Process and Technology Improvement Grant (PTIG) Program. The SNAP Process and Technology Improvement Grants are awarded through a competitive application process. The multi-year grants seek to improve the experience of SNAP participants by enabling grantees to update inefficient or ineffective processes or use technology to streamline operations and provide better customer service. The application process also requires grant applicants to demonstrate how their initiatives will affect SNAP with respect to equity and inclusion, which supports the Administration’s focus on advancing racial equity.
According to the USDA press release:
“FNS is deeply committed to improving SNAP so that all Americans can get the healthy food they need,” said Stacy Dean, USDA’s deputy undersecretary for food, nutrition, and consumer services. “By putting the needs of SNAP applicants and recipients at the center of this grant initiative, we can harness changes in processes and technology to drive toward the end goal of making SNAP work for the people who use it to feed themselves and their families.”
This year’s PTIG applicants will be required to address at least one of the following priority areas:
- Increasing the use of technology-based tools to expand enrollment of underserved populations;
- Aiding in the transition from pandemic operations and improving disaster response operations; and/or
- Modernizing SNAP customer service, client communication, and administrative processes to improve accessibility, transparency, and responsiveness.
USDA expects to award a total of 12 grants and will prioritize applicants who have not received a PTIG in previous years. Entities that were awarded a PTIG in the last fiscal year will not be considered. County governments interested in applying must do so by June 27 and can access the application and additional program information here.
Access the SNAP PTIG application.