The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) administers several nutrition programs under three main categories, child nutrition, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and food distribution. The workgroup narrowed the focus to child nutrition and SNAP benefits, which both provide opportunities to strengthen food security.

The workgroup focused on three priority populations: older adults, students in higher learning, and families with children. The workgroup’s evaluation identified persistent gaps in food assistance benefit delivery worsened by barriers to program access such as limited public awareness, complex application and eligibility requirements, and program application technology. The workgroup recommended several initiatives to:

• broaden awareness and expand education efforts in communities

• utilize program data to guide and strengthen participation

• simplify access to nutrition programs

These recommended initiatives provide a coordinated approach to increase enrollment and strengthen interagency collaboration. Making these changes increases the potential to transform access to food assistance into a seamless, dignified experience that empowers every Virginian to thrive.