The NPR Politics Podcast States Fight Federal Effort To Collect Personal Data Of Food Stamp Users
30 snips
Jul 29, 2025 
Jude Joffe-Block, a power and influence reporter at NPR, dives into the clash between a coalition of 21 states and the federal government's demands for personal data from food stamp users. The discussion reveals legal battles over privacy and the implications of data collection on low-income families. Joffe-Block highlights the hesitation of eligible families in accessing benefits due to fears of government surveillance. Concerns about the privacy violation potential under current laws, including the Privacy Act of 1974, are also examined.
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USDA's Expansive SNAP Data Request
- USDA demands five years of detailed SNAP data, including names and social security numbers.
- States sued, calling the request unlawful and an invasion of privacy.
Demographics of SNAP Beneficiaries
- Over 40 million Americans receive SNAP benefits monthly, mostly low-income individuals.
- Non-citizens without legal status cannot get benefits but can apply for their eligible U.S. citizen children.
Rationale Behind Data Requests
- Federal government claims data is needed to check for program fraud and improve integrity.
- States argue fraud checks exist, and data requests are a pretext for broader goals.