Statement attributed to Rebeckah Freeman Adcock, chief government relations officer at Feeding America
The release of fiscal year 2025 SNAP payment error rates is a reminder of both the scale and complexity of administering a program that serves as a vital bridge for people as they work to get back on their feet. Program integrity matters, especially for participants. While policy changes are implemented, elected officials and program operators need to balance the timing of the state cost shift with ensuring families, veterans and seniors are not harmed.
The SNAP payment error rate is often misunderstood. It reflects unintentional mistakes by state agencies navigating outdated technology, staff shortages, incomplete case files and layered eligibility rules. It is not a measure of fraud or abuse by people participating in the program.
The consequences are real. Through paperwork mistakes, families may receive too much and must pay it back, or too little and go without. We agree that improving accuracy is an important goal, but an intended fix on a rushed timeline could create new problems, jeopardizing food assistance for eligible families.
Financial penalties alone will not fix broken systems. They risk diverting resources from the investments needed to improve them. Feeding America polling shows 84% of voters support improving SNAP oversight, and 62% say the priority must be making sure people who need help can get it. These priorities are not in conflict, unless we move too quickly.
States facing higher error rates say they need a two-year cost shift delay. This is a responsible path forward, giving states time to stabilize operations, improve accuracy and avoid budget cuts or tax increases while protecting families' ability to put nutritious food on the table. We are calling on members of Congress to include in bipartisan legislation a delay in the SNAP cost shift so states can stabilize operations and protect this vital bridge for people facing hardship.
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About Feeding America
Rooted in the voices of neighbors facing hunger, Feeding America unites the country ensuring everyone has access to food and a thriving future. We support tens of millions of people as part of a nationwide network of 250+ food banks, 20+ statewide food bank associations, 10+ regional co-ops and 60,000+ agency partners, food pantries and meal programs. Powered by leaders and volunteers embedded in local communities, we are one of the nation’s most effective food distribution systems driving immediate impact today—and a catalyst for long-term change through advocating for legislation that improves food security and work to address its factors. We partner with people experiencing food insecurity, policymakers, organizations and supporters united with the unwavering commitment to provide nourishing food and work to end hunger at its roots so everyone can live fuller, healthier lives. Visit FeedingAmerica.org to learn more.