USDA Food Stamp Data: Demand Paused – NPR
- Department of Agriculture (USDA) has placed on hold its request for states to provide sensitive data regarding recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), a federal food...
- A USDA official stated in recent court documents that the agency has not yet started collecting personal data from SNAP recipients.
- A banner featuring an image of former President Donald Trump hangs on the side of a USDA building in Washington, D.C., May 16, 2025.
The USDA has abruptly paused its collection of sensitive SNAP data, a move prompted by a privacy-related lawsuit; the agency had asked states to hand over detailed records on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients.This pause, impacting millions, stems from concerns over potential violations of privacy laws and the security of personal information. The suspended data request included names, birthdates, Social Security numbers, and addresses. News Directory 3 is closely following this developing story. The USDA’s decision highlights the delicate balance between data collection and individual rights, especially concerning vulnerable populations relying on this critical food assistance program. Discover what’s next as this unfolds.
USDA Pauses SNAP Data Collection Amid Privacy Concerns
Updated june 4, 2025
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has placed on hold its request for states to provide sensitive data regarding recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), a federal food assistance program.This decision comes after a coalition filed a lawsuit, claiming the demand violated federal privacy laws.
A USDA official stated in recent court documents that the agency has not yet started collecting personal data from SNAP recipients. The now-paused directive would have required states to turn over five years’ worth of data, including names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, and addresses, submitted via third-party contractors.
A banner featuring an image of former President Donald Trump hangs on the side of a USDA building in Washington, D.C., May 16, 2025. The USDA has temporarily suspended its request for states to share sensitive data about SNAP recipients. Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images
What’s next
The USDA’s next steps regarding the collection of SNAP data remain unclear as the lawsuit proceeds. Stakeholders will be closely watching for further developments.