Enrollment Drops Following New Federal Rules
Enrollment in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Snap) dropped significantly over the past year across the United States following restrictions imposed by the Trump administration, according to data from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) published in October 2026 (The Guardian). The number of people receiving food stamps fell from 41.6 million in July 2025—before the One Big Beautiful Act took effect—to 36.5 million in June 2026, marking a 13% decrease.
While President Donald Trump and administration officials defended the policy as an incentive for employment, elected officials, non-profit leaders, and anti-hunger advocates warned that the changes have created severe hardships for low-income households. The Congressional Budget Office projected that the legislative and administrative changes will reduce federal spending on Snap by approximately $187bn over a 10-year period.
Stricter Work Mandates and State Cost Shifts
Under the revised rules, the age range for work requirements expanded. Previously, only able-bodied adults aged 18 to 54 without dependents under 18 had to work a minimum of 20 hours per week or lose benefits after three months. The new framework requires individuals aged 18 to 64 without dependents under 14 to perform paid or volunteer work for at least 20 hours weekly.
Additionally, the One Big Beautiful Act mandated that states cover 75% of Snap administrative costs starting in October 2026, an increase from the previous 50% share. The impact has varied widely by state; for instance, Arizona experienced a 50% drop in Snap enrollment between July 2025 and June 2026, while Kentucky recorded a 6% decrease.
Impact on Food Banks and School Meals
Non-profit organizations and food pantries reported a sharp surge in demand as thousands of residents lost benefits. The Food Bank Council of Michigan temporarily suspended its helpline this week after call volumes tripled. Similarly, Feed Louisville, a Kentucky non-profit, reported that its kitchen shelves are completely emptied daily as more families turn to charitable food distribution.
The decline in program participation has also affected educational institutions. Schools rely on Snap enrollment data to qualify for the Community Eligibility Provision (Cep), which provides free breakfast and lunch to all students without household applications if at least 25% of the student body participates in public benefit programs. In the Houston Independent School District, 26 schools lost eligibility for the program under the updated figures, according to The Guardian.