EATS Act of 2023

Enhance Access To SNAP Act of 2023 or the EATS Act of 2023

This bill expands eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for certain students.

Specifically, the bill removes the restriction on SNAP eligibility for students to allow otherwise eligible students who are attending institutions of higher education (IHEs) at least half time to participate in SNAP. Under current law, students 18-49 years old are restricted, with exceptions, from participating in SNAP. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 temporarily exempted some students from certain SNAP eligibility requirements; these temporary student exemptions are currently scheduled to expire after the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency on May 11, 2023.

Further, the bill provides that students enrolled at least half time in a recognized school, training program, or IHE constitute individual households (not residents of institutions) and may be eligible for SNAP benefits. (Participation in SNAP is limited to households.)

The EATS Act of 2023, also known as Bill 118 hr 3183, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The purpose of this bill is to address issues related to food insecurity and access to healthy, affordable food in underserved communities across the country.

The EATS Act aims to improve access to nutritious food by establishing a grant program that would provide funding to organizations and businesses that are working to increase access to healthy food options in areas that are considered food deserts. These grants would be used to support initiatives such as community gardens, farmers markets, and mobile food markets that bring fresh produce to areas where it is otherwise difficult to find.

Additionally, the EATS Act seeks to address the issue of food waste by encouraging the donation of surplus food from restaurants, grocery stores, and other food providers to organizations that serve those in need. The bill includes provisions to protect food donors from liability in order to incentivize more donations and reduce the amount of food that goes to waste. Overall, the EATS Act of 2023 is a bipartisan effort to improve access to healthy food options and reduce food waste in communities across the United States. If passed, this legislation has the potential to make a significant impact on the health and well-being of individuals and families who currently struggle to access nutritious food.