EATS Act of 2021
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (13 May 2021): Referred to the Subcommittee on Nutrition, Oversight, and Department Operations.
What this bill does
The EATS Act of 2021 (H.R. 1919) would amend the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, which governs the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Specifically, it would change two provisions of the law so that attending an institution of higher education—as defined under the Higher Education Act of 1965—counts the same as employment or work hours when determining SNAP eligibility. Currently, certain SNAP rules require applicants to meet work or work-hour requirements; this bill would allow time spent attending college or another qualifying institution to satisfy those same requirements.
The bill would primarily affect college and university students who might otherwise struggle to meet SNAP's work-related eligibility rules because they are enrolled in school rather than employed. By counting school attendance toward those requirements, more students could qualify for SNAP food assistance benefits.
The bill was introduced on March 16, 2021, by Rep. Jimmy Gomez (D-CA) with numerous cosponsors, and was referred to the House Committee on Agriculture. According to available records, it did not receive a vote and did not advance further in the 117th Congress. The bill included a proposed effective date of January 2, 2022, but since it was not enacted, that date did not take effect.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Enhance Access To SNAP Act of 2021 or the EATS Act of 2021
This bill expands eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to students attending institutions of higher education.
Timeline
13 May 2021
Referred to the Subcommittee on Nutrition, Oversight, and Department Operations.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 1919 do?
- The EATS Act of 2021 (H.R. 1919) would amend the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, which governs the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Specifically, it would change two provisions of the law so that attending an institution of higher education—as defined under the Higher Education Act of 1965—counts the same as employment or work hours when determining SNAP eligibility. Currently, certain SNAP rules require applicants to meet work or work-hour requirements; this bill would allow time spent attending college or another qualifying institution to satisfy those same requirements. The bill would primarily affect college and university students who might otherwise struggle to meet SNAP's work-related eligibility rules because they are enrolled in school rather than employed. By counting school attendance toward those requirements, more students could qualify for SNAP food assistance benefits. The bill was introduced on March 16, 2021, by Rep. Jimmy Gomez (D-CA) with numerous cosponsors, and was referred to the House Committee on Agriculture. According to available records, it did not receive a vote and did not advance further in the 117th Congress. The bill included a proposed effective date of January 2, 2022, but since it was not enacted, that date did not take effect.
- Has H.R. 1919 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 1919. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 1919?
- H.R. 1919 was sponsored by Rep. Gomez, Jimmy [D-CA-34] (D-CA), with 111 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 1919?
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Nutrition, Oversight, and Department Operations. (13 May 2021).
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More bills from Rep. Gomez, Jimmy [D-CA-34]
ASSET Act
EATS Act of 2025
ASSET Act
EATS Act of 2023
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