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A new report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) has highlighted significant challenges veterans face in accessing crucial food assistance benefits, suggesting that federal actions are needed to improve their participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The report indicates that over a million veterans experience limited or uncertain access to food annually, and while eligible, they are less likely to utilize SNAP benefits compared to their non-veteran counterparts. This disparity is attributed, in part, to misconceptions surrounding the program, which federal and state officials have identified as a barrier to outreach efforts.
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The GAO’s findings reveal that while the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has initiated steps to make veterans more aware of SNAP, there remains a need for more targeted and up-to-date outreach materials. The report emphasizes that the USDA has not developed veteran-specific outreach materials in the last five years, despite program changes that could impact veterans. Many stakeholders interviewed by the GAO believe that having materials to address common myths and provide accurate, current information would significantly aid trusted messengers, such as veterans’ organizations, in communicating the benefits of SNAP to food-insecure veterans.
Furthermore, a memorandum of agreement (MOA) established in September 2023 between the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and USDA to combat veteran food insecurity has seen its collaborative momentum wane. Officials from both agencies indicated that the loss of key staff at the USDA in April 2025 has slowed progress. While the MOA is considered by agency officials to remain in effect, the lack of a formal review and potential updates means the current status and efficacy of the collaborative mechanism are unclear. The GAO recommends that both the VA and USDA establish a formal process to guide their joint efforts, which is essential for ensuring that low-income veterans and their families can effectively access necessary food assistance through programs like SNAP.
In response to these findings, the GAO has issued four recommendations. These include directives for the USDA to update its SNAP eligibility website with information on exceptions to time limits, and to develop and disseminate updated outreach materials tailored for veterans in collaboration with the VA. Additionally, both the USDA and the VA are urged to ensure a formal mechanism is in place to guide their partnership in addressing veteran food insecurity, which may involve reviewing and updating their existing MOA. The VA and USDA have both concurred with these recommendations, indicating a commitment to improving SNAP access for veterans.
Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the U.S. Government Accountability Office
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