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S. 1336Senate118th Congress (2023-2025)In Committee

Closing the Meal Gap Act of 2023

Sponsored by Kirsten E. GillibrandSen. Kirsten E. Gillibrand (D-NY)
Introduced April 27, 2023

AI-Generated Summary

Updated January 20, 2026 at 6:47 AM UTC

The Closing the Meal Gap Act of 2023 changes how Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are calculated, switching from the thrifty food plan to a newly defined low‑cost food plan for a standard four‑person household. It raises the adjustment factor to 10%, adds a standard medical expense deduction, removes certain caps and time limits, and expands SNAP eligibility to include Puerto Rico with a transition process and funding for technology infrastructure.

Key Provisions

  • Creates a "low‑cost food plan" for a 4‑person family and requires SNAP allotments to be based on its cost, with household‑size and regional adjustments
  • Replaces the thrifty food plan reference with the low‑cost food plan and changes the adjustment percentage from 8% to 10%
  • Sets a schedule for the Secretary to update the low‑cost food plan market basket every five years, starting by Dec. 31 2029
  • Adds a standard medical expense deduction of $140 for 2023, indexed to inflation thereafter, and allows states to set higher amounts if cost‑neutral
  • Eliminates the cap on excess shelter expenses and removes a time limit on certain SNAP provisions
  • Includes Puerto Rico in SNAP eligibility, outlines a certification and transition process, and provides up to $112.5 million for technology infrastructure and temporary block grants
  • Updates related statutory references and quality‑control language to reflect the new low‑cost food plan

Legislative Activity

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SenateIntro Referral Latest Action

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.

Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee

April 27, 2023

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SenateIntro Referral

Introduced in Senate

April 27, 2023

SenateIntro Referral

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.

Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee

April 27, 2023

Bill Text

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Introduced in SenateIssued April 27, 2023

II

118th CONGRESS

1st Session

S. 1336

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

April 27, 2023

Mrs. Gillibrand (for herself, Mr. Markey, Mr. Welch, Ms. Warren, Mr. Booker, Mr. Brown, Mr. Sanders, and Mr. Fetterman) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry

A BILL

To amend the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to require that supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits be calculated using the value of the low-cost food plan, and for other purposes.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Closing the Meal Gap Act of 2023.

2.

Calculation of program benefits using low-cost food plan

(a)

Definition of low-Cost food plan

Section 3 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2012) is amended—

(1)

by striking subsection (u);

(2)

by redesignating subsections (n) through (t) as subsections (o) through (u), respectively; and

(3)

by inserting after subsection (m) the following:

(n)

Low-Cost food plan

(1)

In general

The term low-cost food plan means the diet, determined in accordance with the calculations of the Secretary, required to feed a 4-person family that consists of—

(A)

a man and a woman who are each between 19 and 50 years of age;

(B)

a child who is between 6 and 8 years of age; and

(C)

a child who is between 9 and 11 years of age.

(2)

Reevaluation

By December 31, 2029, and at 5-year intervals thereafter, the Secretary shall reevaluate and publish the market baskets of the low-cost food plan, based on current food prices, food composition data, consumption patterns, and dietary guidance.

(3)

Cost

For purposes of paragraph (1), the cost of the diet described in that paragraph shall be the basis for uniform allotments for all households regardless of the actual composition of the household, except that the Secretary shall—

(A)

make household-size adjustments (based on the unrounded cost of that diet) taking into account economies of scale;

(B)

make cost adjustments in the low-cost food plan for the State of Hawaii and the urban and rural parts of the State of Alaska to reflect the cost of food in Hawaii and urban and rural Alaska, respectively; and

(C)

on October 1, 2023, and each October 1 thereafter, adjust the cost of the diet to reflect the cost of the diet in the immediately preceding June, and round the result to the nearest lower-dollar increment for each household size.

.

(b)

Value of allotment

Section 8(a) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2017(a)) is amended—

(1)

by striking thrifty food plan each place it appears and inserting low-cost food plan; and

(2)

in the proviso, by striking 8 percent and inserting 10 percent.

(c)

Quality control system

Section 16(c)(1)(A)(ii) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2025(c)(1)(A)(ii)) is amended—

(1)

in subclause (II)—

(A)

by striking thrifty food plan is adjusted under section 3(u)(4) and inserting low-cost food plan is adjusted under section 3(n)(3)(D); and

(B)

by striking 2013 and inserting 2023;

(2)

by redesignating subclause (II) as subclause (III); and

(3)

by striking subclause (I) and inserting the following:

(I)

for fiscal year 2023, at an amount not greater than $50;

(II)

for fiscal year 2024, the amount specified in subclause (I) adjusted by the difference between the thrifty food plan (as defined in section 3 (as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of the Closing the Meal Gap Act of 2023)) and the low-cost food plan; and

.

(d)

Conforming amendments

(1)

Section 10 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2019) is amended, in the first sentence, by striking 3(o)(4) and inserting 3(p)(4).

(2)

Section 11 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2020) is amended—

(A)

in subsection (a)(2), by striking 3(s)(1) and inserting 3(t)(1);

(B)

in subsection (d)—

(i)

by striking 3(s)(1) each place it appears and inserting 3(t)(1);

(ii)

by striking 3(s)(2) each place it appears and inserting 3(t)(2); and

(iii)

by striking Act (25 U.S.C. 450) and inserting and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.); and

(C)

in subsection (e)(17), by striking 3(s)(1) and inserting 3(t)(1).

(3)

Section 19(a)(2)(A)(ii) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2028(a)(2)(A)(ii)) is amended by striking thrifty food plan has been adjusted under section 3(u)(4) and inserting low-cost food plan has been adjusted under section 3(n)(3)(D).

(4)

Section 27(a)(2) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2036(a)(2)) is amended—

(A)

in subparagraph (C), by inserting (as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of the Closing the Meal Gap Act of 2023) after section 3(u)(4);

(B)

in subparagraph (D)(ix), by striking and at the end;

(C)

by redesignating subparagraph (E) as subparagraph (F);

(D)

by inserting after subparagraph (D) the following:

(E)

for fiscal year 2023, the sum obtained by adding—

(i)

the dollar amount of commodities specified in subparagraph (B) adjusted by the percentage by which the low-cost food plan has been adjusted under section 3(u)(4) between June 30, 2021, and June 30 of the immediately preceding fiscal year; and

(ii)

$35,000,000; and

; and

(E)

in subparagraph (F) (as so redesignated), by striking subparagraph (D)(ix) adjusted by the percentage by which the thrifty food plan has been adjusted under section 3(u)(4) and inserting subparagraph (F) adjusted by the percentage by which the low-cost food plan has been adjusted under section 3(n)(3)(D).

(5)

Section 408(a)(12)(B)(i) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 608(a)(12)(B)(i)) is amended by striking (r) each place it appears.

3.

Deductions from income

(a)

Standard medical expense deduction

Section 5(e)(5) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2014(e)(5)) is amended—

(1)

in the paragraph heading, by striking Excess medical and inserting Medical;

(2)

in subparagraph (A), by striking an excess medical and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting a standard medical deduction or a medical expense deduction of actual costs for the allowable medical expenses incurred by the elderly or disabled member, exclusive of special diets.;

(3)

in subparagraph (B)(i), by striking excess; and

(4)

by adding at the end the following:

(D)

Standard medical expense deduction amount

(i)

In general

Except as provided in clause (ii), the standard medical expense deduction shall be—

(I)

for fiscal year 2023, $140; and

(II)

for each subsequent fiscal year, equal to the applicable amount for the immediately preceding fiscal year as adjusted to reflect changes for the 12-month period ending the preceding June 30 in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Medical Care published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor.

(ii)

Exception

For any fiscal year, a State agency may establish a greater standard medical expense deduction than described in clause (i) if the greater deduction satisfies cost neutrality standards established by the Secretary for that fiscal year.

.

(b)

Elimination of cap of excess shelter expenses

(1)

In general

Section 5(e)(6) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2014(e)(6)) is amended—

(A)

by striking subparagraph (B); and

(B)

by redesignating subparagraphs (C) and (D) as subparagraphs (B) and (C), respectively.

(2)

Conforming amendment

Section 2605(f)(2)(A) of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 (42 U.S.C. 8624(f)(2)(A)) is amended by striking 5(e)(6)(C)(iv)(I) of that Act (7 U.S.C. 2014(e)(6)(C)(iv)(I)) and inserting 5(e)(6)(B)(iv)(I) of that Act (7 U.S.C. 2014(e)(6)(B)(iv)(I)).

4.

Elimination of time limit

(a)

In general

Section 6 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2015) is amended—

(1)

by striking subsection (o); and

(2)

by redesignating subsections (p) through (s) as subsections (o) through (r), respectively.

(b)

Conforming amendments

(1)

Section 5(a) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2014(a)) is amended, in the second sentence, by striking (r) and inserting (q).

(2)

Section 6(d)(4) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2015(d)(4)) is amended—

(A)

in subparagraph (B)(ii)(I)(bb)(DD), by striking or subsection (o); and

(B)

in subparagraph (N), by striking or subsection (o) each place it appears.

(3)

Section 7(i)(1) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2016(i)(1)) is amended by striking section 6(o)(2) of this Act or.

(4)

Section 16(h) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2025(h)) is amended—

(A)

in paragraph (1)—

(i)

in subparagraph (B), in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking that— and all that follows through the period at the end of clause (ii) and inserting that is determined and adjusted by the Secretary.;

(ii)

by striking subparagraph (E);

(iii)

by redesignating subparagraph (F) as subparagraph (E); and

(iv)

in clause (ii)(III)(ee)(AA) of subparagraph (E) (as so redesignated), by striking , individuals subject to the requirements under section 6(o),; and

(B)

in paragraph (5)(C)—

(i)

in clause (ii), by adding and at the end;

(ii)

in clause (iii), by striking ; and and inserting a period; and

(iii)

by striking clause (iv).

(5)

Section 51(d)(8)(A)(ii) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended—

(A)

in subclause (I), by striking , or at the end and inserting a period;

(B)

in the matter preceding subclause (I), by striking family— and all that follows through receiving in subclause (I) and inserting family receiving; and

(C)

by striking subclause (II).

(6)

Section 103(a)(2) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3113) is amended—

(A)

by striking subparagraph (D); and

(B)

by redesignating subparagraphs (E) through (K) as subparagraphs (D) through (J), respectively.

(7)

Section 121(b)(2)(B) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3151) is amended—

(A)

by striking clause (iv); and

(B)

by redesignating clauses (v) through (vii) as clauses (iv) through (vi), respectively.

5.

Inclusion of Puerto Rico in the supplemental nutritional assistance program

(a)

Definitions

Section 3 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2012) is amended—

(1)

in subsection (r), by inserting the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, after Guam,; and

(2)

in subsection (u)(3), by inserting the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, after Guam,.

(b)

Eligible households

Section 5 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2014) is amended—

(1)

in subsection (b), in the first sentence, by inserting the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, after Guam,;

(2)

in subsection (c)—

(A)

in paragraph (1), by striking and Guam, and inserting Guam, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico,; and

(B)

in the undesignated matter at the end, by striking States or Guam and inserting States, Guam, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; and

(3)

in subsection (e)—

(A)

in paragraph (1)(A), by inserting the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, after Hawaii, each place it appears; and

(B)

in paragraph (6)(B), in the matter preceding clause (i), by inserting the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, after Guam,.

(c)

Effective date

(1)

In general

The amendments made by subsections (a) and (b) shall be effective with respect to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico on the date described in paragraph (2) if the Secretary of Agriculture submits to Congress a certification under subsection (f)(2)(C) of section 19 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2028).

(2)

Date described

The date referred to in paragraph (1) is the date established by the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico in the applicable plan of operation submitted to the Secretary of Agriculture under subsection (f)(1) of section 19 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2028).

(d)

Transition of Puerto Rico to supplemental nutrition assistance program

Section 19 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2028) is amended by adding at the end the following:

(f)

Transition of Puerto Rico to supplemental nutrition assistance program

(1)

Request for participation

The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico may submit to the Secretary a request to participate in the supplemental nutrition assistance program, which shall include a plan of operation described in section 11(d), which shall include the date on which the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico intends to begin participation in the program.

(2)

Certification by Secretary

(A)

In general

On submission of a request by the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall certify the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico as qualified to participate in the supplemental nutrition assistance program if the Secretary—

(i)

approves the plan of operation submitted with the request, in accordance with this subsection; and

(ii)

approves the applications described in paragraph (4) in accordance with that paragraph.

(B)

Certification decision

The Secretary shall certify or not certify the request of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico under paragraph (1) not later than 90 days after the date on which the Secretary receives the request.

(C)

Submission of certification to Congress

The Secretary shall submit a certification under subparagraph (A) to Congress.

(3)

Determination of plan of operation

(A)

Approval

The Secretary shall approve a plan of operation submitted with a request under paragraph (1) if the plan satisfies the requirements under this Act.

(B)

Disapproval

If the Secretary does not approve a plan of operation submitted with a request under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall provide a statement that describes each requirement under this Act that is not satisfied by the plan.

(4)

Approval of retail food stores

If the Secretary approves a plan of operation under paragraph (3)(A) for the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Secretary shall accept applications from retail food stores located in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico to be authorized under section 9 to participate in the supplemental nutrition assistance program.

(5)

Family Market Program

Notwithstanding subsection (g), the Secretary shall allow the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico to continue to carry out under the supplemental nutrition assistance program the Family Market Program established pursuant to this section.

(6)

Temporary funding

If the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico has a request under paragraph (1) pending before the Secretary (including a plan of operation pending under paragraph (3)), the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico shall receive block grants under this section, in amounts determined by the Secretary, until the date on which the Secretary certifies the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico under paragraph (2)(B).

(7)

Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary such sums as are necessary to carry out this subsection for fiscal year 2023, to remain available until expended.

(g)

Technical infrastructure implementation

(1)

In general

The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico may request from the Secretary a 1-time grant to pay for the cost of the technology infrastructure necessary to implement the supplemental nutrition assistance program, including the cost of information technology, information technology personnel, and training relating to program implementation.

(2)

Application

In making a request under paragraph (1), the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require, including—

(A)

a description of the costs to be paid for by the grant; and

(B)

a plan for implementing the technology infrastructure described in paragraph (1)—

(i)

within 1 year of receiving the grant; and

(ii)

that is reasonably cost efficient, as determined by the Secretary.

(3)

Determination

(A)

Time limit

The Secretary shall approve or deny an application submitted under paragraph (2) not later than 90 days after the date on which the application is submitted.

(B)

Denial

If the Secretary denies an application submitted under paragraph (2), the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico may amend the plan described in subparagraph (B) of that paragraph, in coordination with the Secretary, to resubmit to the Secretary for approval.

(4)

Funding

(A)

In general

There is appropriated to the Secretary, out of funds in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, $112,500,000 to carry out this subsection, to remain available until 3 years after the date of enactment of this subsection.

(B)

Reversion of funds

Any funds appropriated to the Secretary under subparagraph (A) that remain available by the date described in that subparagraph shall revert to the Treasury.

(h)

Termination of effectiveness

(1)

In general

Subsections (a) through (e) shall cease to be effective with respect to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico on the date described in paragraph (2) if the Secretary submits to Congress a certification under subsection (f)(2)(C) for the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

(2)

Date described

The date referred to in paragraph (1) is the date established by the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico in the applicable plan of operation submitted to the Secretary under subsection (f)(1).

.