By Jamie Martin
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced new requirements for states to provide complete access to records related to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This action is aimed at promoting transparency, accountability, and appropriate use of federal funds.
This directive follows President’s Executive Order 14243, signed on March 20, 2025. The order, titled “Stopping Waste, Fraud, and Abuse by Eliminating Information Silos,” mandates that federal agencies gain unrestricted access to state-held data on programs funded by the federal government. This includes SNAP data held by third-party vendors like Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) processors.
For years, states have operated SNAP programs independently, with limited real-time oversight from the USDA. With this order, USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) will gain new visibility into participant data, usage patterns, and relationships with retailers and processors.
“President Trump is rightfully requiring the federal government to have access to all programs it funds,” said Secretary Rollins. “SNAP is no exception. For years, this program has been on autopilot, with no USDA insight into real-time data. The Department is focused on appropriate and lawful participation in SNAP, and today’s request is one of many steps to ensure SNAP is preserved for only those eligible.”
This initiative highlights the USDA’s commitment to safeguarding taxpayer dollars and ensuring that nutrition assistance reaches only eligible recipients. It also marks a significant shift toward data sharing and program accountability between federal and state governments.
With enhanced data access, the USDA aims to prevent fraud, improve program delivery, and protect the integrity of SNAP moving forward.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: National