The Agriculture Department expects to name in March the winners of $200 million in grants to help food-stamp participants find jobs or move up the pay scale. The USDA has received proposals from more than 30 states for the 10 pilot projects. The pilots represent a resolution of a major dispute in the 2014 farm law between House conservatives who wanted to narrow food stamp eligibility and Senate Democrats who were opposed to large cuts in nutrition assistance to poor people.
The goal of the pilots is to shorten the time that able-bodied people are enrolled on food stamps. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack told senators, “We expect to announce grantees in March.” He said USDA would work with states to improve existing employment and training programs that are part of the food stamp program.