WASHINGTON, D.C. — A bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced legislation that would allow jobseekers in qualified employment programs to retain their nutrition benefits while pursuing work, education, or workforce training.

The proposed Training and Nutrition Stability Act is aimed at eliminating the difficult choice between food and employment for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients.

“Qualified SNAP recipients should not be penalized for working or seeking the education they need to support themselves. This legislation ensures that their nutritional needs are met without forcing them to abandon their goals of breaking out of the cycle of poverty. This bill will benefit eligible SNAP recipients and taxpayers alike in the long run,” Miller said.

The bill is also supported by Reps. Adriano Espaillat, D-N.Y., Marc Molinaro, R-N.Y., and Alma Adams, D-N.C.

“Currently, individuals in high-quality, evidence-based employment and training programs risk losing their nutrition security because of temporary earnings they receive through their participation,” said Espaillat. “Rules on whether these earnings count against SNAP participants’ eligibility are applied inconsistently across federal programs and funding streams, and this misalignment in policy has created confusion and benefit cliffs for affected individuals who are working to invest in their economic future. It is critical that we work to strengthen workforce opportunities and training opportunities so that individuals are not forced to choose between employment opportunity and skills development or food security.”

The bill has garnered support from various organizations, including the American Public Human Services Association and the Center for Employment Opportunities.

“The Training and Nutrition Stability Act is a common-sense solution to help SNAP participants put food on the table for their families while completing highly effective employment and training activities that build bridges to family-sustaining wages. This bill will have a huge impact helping our members–human services professionals across the country–provide services in their communities that are tailored to what SNAP recipients need and support their path to economic mobility,” said Matthew Lyons, Senior Director of Policy & Practice, American Public Human Services Association (APHSA)

The bill aims to address the challenges faced by SNAP recipients in balancing their nutritional needs with work and education.