"Many SNAP participants are struggling to find work, and a large percentage already have a job but are getting paid so little that they still need assistance to put food on the table," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack in the grant announcement. "When provided the opportunity to obtain additional skills many SNAP recipients are able to obtain a good job and transition out of the program. The grants announced today will allow us to test innovative approaches to give folks the opportunity to get training, get a good job and build stronger futures for their families."

 

The grant program will fund up to 10 pilot projects. Funding comes from the 2014 Farm Bill. 

 

The agency notes it is looking for an array of pilots to conduct and study, including those focused on education and training, rehabilitative services for individuals with barriers to employment, rapid attachment to work, and other strategies. 

 

Target audiences are those with low skills, able-bodied adults without dependents, and recipients who are working in very low-wage or part-time jobs. 

 

The grants will be distributed across a range of geographic areas, including rural and urban parts of the country. 

 

Grant information is available at usda.gov.