SNAP Participation Falls as New Federal Rules Take Effect
Rising food and fuel prices are adding pressure to household budgets, while economists expect inflation to increase in the coming months, according to the Philadelphia Federal Reserve’s Survey of Professional Forecasters. At the same time, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York has reported a notable rise in food insecurity.
A new analysis from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a nonpartisan research institute, found that more than 3.5 million people, or nearly 9% of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program beneficiaries, lost benefits between July and February. SNAP served almost 42 million people in fiscal year 2025, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The decline follows changes enacted under President Donald Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” which included $187 billion in SNAP cuts, according to the Congressional Budget Office. The law expanded work requirements, changed eligibility for some noncitizens, and shifted some benefit costs and administrative responsibilities to states. Supporters said the changes were intended to reduce waste and improve accountability.
CBPP found SNAP participation has fallen in every state, while the national unemployment rate has remained near 4%. Arizona saw the largest reported decline, with participation down 51%. Louisiana, Tennessee and Virginia also reported significant reductions.
State agencies are also seeking to reduce payment error rates, which may require more documentation from applicants. Some food assistance advocates say paperwork and processing delays are contributing to benefit losses.
Food banks report increased demand, but many say they cannot replace SNAP’s scale. California Food Banks said it is serving 6 million people per month, more than during the height of the Covid pandemic.
More states are still implementing the new rules. California and New York are expected to see additional reductions as expanded time limits and work requirements take effect. Some advocacy groups are urging Congress to revisit SNAP funding and eligibility rules through the farm bill process.