EATS Act of 2025

Summary#

The EATS Act of 2025 changes parts of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to remove student-specific disqualifications from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). It adds a new item to section 3(m)(5) to include “Individuals who are bona fide students enrolled at least half time in any recognized school, training program, or institution of higher education.” It also removes language in section 6 that made students ineligible unless they met special student requirements and strikes subsection (e) of that section. The bill takes effect on January 2, 2026.

What it means for you#

• The bill removes a statutory rule that could prevent otherwise eligible college or training students from participating in SNAP.
• It specifically covers students described as "bona fide" and enrolled at least half time in a recognized school, training program, or institution of higher education.
• The text does not describe changes to income tests, benefit levels, or how state agencies would administer benefits.

Expenses#

No publicly available information on projected costs or savings is included in the bill text. The bill itself does not include a Congressional Budget Office estimate or other cost information.

Proponents' View#

Proponents say the bill removes eligibility barriers that restrict otherwise eligible students enrolled in institutions of higher education from obtaining SNAP benefits. The short title calls the measure the "Enhance Access To SNAP Act," indicating the sponsors intend to increase student access to the program.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.