The TANF Hygiene Access Act establishes a five-year federal demonstration program to test new ways of helping low-income households access basic hygiene products like soap, toothpaste, diapers, feminine hygiene products, and other essential items. States, Indian tribes, and tribal organizations can apply for competitive grants to run pilot programs, with priority given to applicants who partner with established food banks or similar organizations and show strong program design and cost-effectiveness. The bill allocates $25 million for the first year, increasing to $30 million for years two and three, and $32.5 million for years four and five, with at least 85 percent of grant funds going directly to purchasing and distributing hygiene materials rather than administrative costs. Participating programs must track and report metrics such as the number of families served, materials distributed, and frequency of distributions to evaluate program success. By the end of the five-year period, the Secretary of Health and Human Services must report to Congress on whether this approach could be expanded into a larger national program.
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