States sue USDA over food stamp data collection

A coalition of states is suing the USDA over data requests deemed intrusive.

States challenge USDA's demand for food stamp data

A coalition of 21 states and Washington, D.C. initiated a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture on Monday. This legal action follows a demand from the USDA for detailed personal information about food assistance applicants and their households. The USDA has set a deadline of July 30 for states to provide five years of data, including names, Social Security numbers, birth dates, addresses, and even immigration status. The lawsuit claims the USDA is violating federal privacy laws and harming eligible families. It asserts that SNAP recipients did not provide their information to create a surveillance database, but rather for assistance in feeding their families. Attorney General Rob Bonta of California emphasized that the data collection is merely a guise for increased surveillance, rather than a legitimate effort to combat fraud. The case highlights significant concerns regarding privacy and the potential impacts on food assistance program participation.

The pushback against the USDA's data demands reveals tensions between state and federal authorities, particularly about privacy and surveillance. Critics argue that federal overreach could deter families from accessing essential support, increasing food insecurity. With over 40 million people relying on SNAP, states fear that invasive data collection might harm those it intends to help. This lawsuit raises broader questions about how government agencies balance the need for oversight with the rights of individuals. If states succeed, it could set a precedent for protecting personal information against excessive government scrutiny.

Highlights

This legal battle may redefine how states interact with federal data collection policies.