Policy & Practice | Fall 2026

STRENGTHENING SNAP PERFORMANCE TODAY

Building the Foundation for Modernization

By David Crowson and Pat Aguilar

tate human services agencies administering the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are operating in an increasingly complex and high-stakes environment. Expectations for accuracy, timeliness, and program integrity continue to rise, while workforce constraints, increasing caseloads, and new federal requirements place sus tained pressure on program performance. These pressures are not theoretical. Recent federal policy changes have heightened the financial implications of elevated payment error rates, increasing cost-share exposure for states and reinforcing the need to get eligibility determinations right the first time. At the same time, agencies must continue to ensure that SNAP benefits are delivered accurately and efficiently. SNAP leaders don’t have to choose between performance improvements and modernization. Instead, they can pursue both in tandem through a coordinated strategy that aligns oper ations, technology, and policy. Agencies that connect today’s priorities with a comprehensive vision for modernization can strengthen program integrity, reduce workforce strain, and build more resilient systems for the future.

17

Fall 2026 Policy & Practice