Third Sector and National Governors Association Select Four States to Expand SNAP E&T Programs

This month, Third Sector and The National Governors Association (NGA) selected cross-sector teams from Idaho, Indiana, Minnesota, and North Carolina to participate in a project focused on helping governors expand employment and training opportunities in their states. Specifically, these four states will receive expert support and technical assistance to help them identify and address barriers to successfully and equitably implementing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Employment and Training (SNAP E&T) programs in their states.

“It’s critical that our governments use our taxpayer dollars to create and support meaningful pathways to economic mobility for all of us. We are excited to be working with partners in Idaho, Indiana, Minnesota, and North Carolina to design an action plan for SNAP E&T public funds that could transform the lives and career trajectories of millions of Americans looking to do meaningful work that also sustains them and their families,” said Caroline Whistler, CEO and Co-Founder of Third Sector.

SNAP E&T is a federal program each state administers to help SNAP recipients gain skills and find work that increases their economic mobility. While every state operates a SNAP E&T Program, many may not be taking full advantage of available funding and flexibilities that are part of the program, which can make it difficult for local service providers to access SNAP E&T funds to serve recipients. By facilitating coordination between the Governor’s office and key workforce and human services agencies administering this program, this project will help states unlock the potential of SNAP E&T to drive more resources and opportunities to service providers and SNAP recipients. 

Each team comprises a group of cross-sector partners, including:

  • A representative from the Governor’s office;
  • Human services agency leadership;
  • Workforce development agency leadership;
  • Workforce development board leadership; and
  • Other stakeholders who critical to carrying out the state-proposed action plan.

Third Sector and the NGA will support each state team by:

  • Establishing an action plan for how each state will meet identified goals for expanding access to SNAP E&T programs;
  • Providing 1:1 coaching support with each state team as it develops its plan; and
  • Hosting cohort webinars so that the state teams can engage in peer learning and support as they develop their plans.