by Washington, D.C. – A new bill introduced in Congress aims to help young adults enrolled in career and technical education (CTE) programs retain more of their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits while working part time.
The proposal, called the Food Eligibility for Education and Development (FEED) Act, was introduced by Republican Senator Jon Husted of Ohio. It would allow students aged 18 to 21 to earn part-time wages through CTE programs without those earnings affecting their SNAP benefits.
Why This Matters
Under current SNAP rules, students from low-income families risk losing benefits if their earnings increase household income. Senator Husted notes that this can discourage participation in CTE programs, which provide both classroom learning and hands-on work experience.
Husted’s office estimates that up to 50,000 Ohioans aged 18 to 21 are missing opportunities in work-based learning programs due to these rules. By excluding student wages from household income calculations, the bill seeks to remove this barrier.
How SNAP Works
SNAP benefits are determined based on household income, expenses, and family size. Current eligibility rules consider gross monthly income and compare it to the federal poverty level, with deductions applied for housing, child care, and medical costs for seniors or individuals with disabilities.
The FEED Act would update these rules specifically for students enrolled in CTE programs, ensuring part-time earnings do not reduce their benefits. A press release from Husted’s office emphasized that the bill addresses “outdated rules that deter participation in CTE programs by students from low-income families.”
About CTE Programs
CTE programs prepare students for careers in fields such as advanced manufacturing, health sciences, and information technology. They combine classroom instruction with practical skill training and work experience, often connecting students to internships and apprenticeships with local employers. Currently, more than 130,000 high school students in Ohio participate in CTE programs across career centers and community colleges.
Next Steps
The FEED Act has been introduced in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry for review.
