The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is undergoing significant structural changes following passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act last July. The legislation, which the White House characterized as necessary to address what it viewed as an inefficient system, has already produced substantial reductions in participation. As of April, approximately 37 million people received monthly food benefits compared to an average of 42 million the previous year, representing an 11 percent decline nationally.
The participation decrease results from multiple policy modifications enacted under the law. New work requirements now mandate that adults, including veterans, homeless individuals, young adults aging out of foster care, and others, demonstrate at least 80 hours of monthly work or volunteer activity to maintain eligibility. The Congressional Budget Office projects these requirements alone will reduce participation by 2.4 million people monthly over the next decade. Additionally, certain noncitizens including refugees, asylum seekers, and trafficking victims lost federal food aid eligibility. Arizona has experienced the steepest declines, with enrollment dropping by more than 400,000 participants, a reduction so severe that food bank usage in the state now exceeds SNAP enrollment.
The most consequential changes take effect in October, when the federal cost-sharing structure shifts dramatically. The government will reduce its contribution to state administrative expenses from 50 percent to 25 percent, forcing states to absorb substantially higher operational costs. Beginning October 2027, states will also share in food benefit costs if their error rates exceed 6 percent, with nearly half of states potentially owing $100 million or more in penalties. Georgetown Center estimates suggest states may need to spend two to three times current amounts to maintain SNAP operations.
Policy experts and state officials express concern about the program’s future viability. Survey data indicates nearly 30 percent of states may further restrict eligibility, while 11 percent could withdraw from the program if costs become unmanageable. Food security advocates warn that neither food banks nor other existing government programs possess capacity to replace SNAP services should states exit the program. The Agricultural Department maintains that the participation decline reflects improved economic conditions and program integrity efforts, though analysts note unemployment has remained relatively flat while food prices have increased.
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