USDA Inspector General Issues Subpoenas to Four States for SNAP Data

June 4, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Inspector General John Walk issued subpoenas to the state agencies that administer federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funds inCalifornia, Illinois, Michigan, and New York.

The independent federal watchdog requested SNAP participant information to evaluate the quality and integrity of the data states use to determine program eligibility and issue benefits. These states have refused to provide data responsive to USDA OIG’s initial requests for over a year allowing potential fraud to continue unchecked.

“Distributing SNAP food assistance is a shared responsibility between USDA and state agencies who administer benefits to local residents” Walk said. “We have a shared obligation to root out program fraud so that assistance is not stolen and reaches Americans who depend on SNAP.”

As part of the White House Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) is exercising its lawful oversight authority to evaluate the administration of SNAP funds at the state level to identify and prevent fraud, waste, and abuse.

OIG is conducting a series of inspections to assess the quality and integrity of SNAP participant data for 10 states. OIG is focusing on key information states use to validate an individual’s eligibility for food assistance. The series of reviews allow states to assess the integrity of their SNAP data and ensure funds are distributed to eligible participants, preserving federal assistance for those who need it. USDA OIG has received participant data from six states: Ohio, Georgia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Florida. The remaining four states continue to refuse OIG’s information requests, preventing OIG from assessing the integrity of the SNAP data. Unknown anomalies could impact whether money is going to eligible Americans or potentially being sidelined.

“The fight against fraud benefits from federal and local authorities working together,” said Walk. “By refusing disclosure, these four states are actively avoiding transparency required for accountability in federal nutrition assistance programs. Obstructing federal oversight of the SNAP program only helps fraudsters and I call on these states to work with us.”

Media Contact USDA OIG

Jim Hoehn

Media Relations

USDA Office of Inspector General

Email: public-affairs@oig.usda.gov

https://usdaoig.oversight.gov/articles/news/press-releases/usda-inspector-general-issues-subpoenas-four-states-snap-data