Enrollment in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has declined sharply over the past year following policy changes implemented during the Trump administration, raising concerns among officials and advocacy groups about increased food insecurity in the United States.
Data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture indicate that the number of individuals receiving SNAP benefits dropped from 41.6 million in July 2025 to 36.5 million in June 2026, marking a 13% reduction. This decline coincides with the enactment of the One Big Beautiful Act, which tightened eligibility requirements and increased state administrative cost-sharing for the program.
Under the revised rules, able-bodied adults aged 18 to 64 without dependents under 14 are now required to work or participate in volunteer activities for at least 20 hours per week to qualify for benefits. Previously, this work requirement applied only to those aged 18 to 54 without dependents under 18 and limited benefits to a maximum of three months in three years. Additionally, states are now responsible for covering 75% of SNAP administrative costs, an increase from the earlier 50%.
Supporters of the changes, including former President Donald Trump and U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, argue that the modifications encourage employment and reduce dependency on government assistance. Rollins described the reduction in SNAP enrollment as a “big win” for pro-work advocates, noting that about 5 million people have left the program. Trump and other Republican leaders have contended that the revisions motivate individuals to seek jobs.
However, critics dispute these claims, pointing to rising living costs and insufficient wage growth as factors that continue to drive food insecurity. Nonprofit leaders and elected officials contend that the changes have forced many Americans to rely more heavily on food banks or forego meals altogether. Rhona Kamar, executive director of Feed Louisville, described a persistent shortage in donated food supplies, stating that available resources are consumed daily as demand increases.
The impact of the SNAP restrictions has varied by state. Arizona experienced a steep 50% drop in enrollment between July 2025 and June 2026, while Kentucky saw a more modest 6% decrease. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, a Democrat, expressed concern that these cutbacks are contributing to hunger among vulnerable populations, including children and seniors.
The SNAP changes have also affected school meal programs. Under the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), schools can offer free meals to all students if at least 25% of students receive public benefits like SNAP. With fewer students qualifying, some schools, such as 26 in the Houston Independent School District, lost eligibility for CEP, potentially limiting access to free meals for students who need them.
In addition, the assertion that the SNAP decline reflects improved employment outcomes faces scrutiny. Between January 2025 and September 2026, the U.S. added 776,000 nonfarm jobs, a smaller figure compared to the 2.6 million jobs added during the final 20 months of the Biden administration, according to Factcheck.org. Advocates argue that job growth has not been sufficient to offset the effects of tightened SNAP eligibility amid ongoing inflation and cost-of-living increases.
Overall, the reduction in SNAP enrollment appears linked to policy changes aimed at promoting employment but has raised significant concerns about increased hunger and barriers to food assistance among low-income Americans.