A new law signed by President Donald Trump is set to implement sweeping changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which helps millions of Americans access essential food.
Critics warn that the legislation could result in one of the most significant reductions to food assistance in recent history, leaving many vulnerable families struggling to make ends meet. The bill reduces funding for SNAP by $186 billion through 2034, affecting millions of recipients across the country.
A Major Reduction in SNAP Funding
The new legislation introduces a substantial reduction in SNAP funding, with a $186 billion cut to the program over the next decade. This will decrease assistance for millions of Americans who rely on these benefits to cover basic food expenses.
According to the Congressional Budget Office, this cut represents nearly 20% of the program’s budget. The policy change is expected to result in over 22 million families losing some or all of their benefits.
This reduction is particularly concerning for low-income households, where the average cut is estimated to be $146 per month, a significant amount for families with limited resources. With the rising costs of living, especially in rural areas, this reduction could push more families into food insecurity.
The changes are likely to affect not only individuals in urban centers, but also rural grocery stores and food banks, which could face increased demand as families turn to them for support.
Increased Work Requirements and State Penalties
Another key aspect of the new law is the introduction of stricter work requirements for SNAP beneficiaries. Under the new rules, adults aged 55 to 64, as well as households with children aged 14 to 17, will be subject to these work mandates.
Critics, including Alex Jacquez from the Groundwork Collaborative, have expressed concern that these changes could force many individuals off the program, especially those who struggle to meet bureaucratic requirements or find stable work.
In addition, the law introduces penalties for states with high payment error rates. Starting in 2027, states with error rates above 6% will be required to pay a share of the benefit costs themselves, potentially burdening state budgets even further.
This could have a direct impact on state-level implementation of SNAP, making it harder for eligible families to access the support they need.
While proponents of the bill argue that it will restore the program to its intended purpose of helping the truly needy, critics are concerned that it could do more harm than good, especially for the most vulnerable in society.
