13% Fewer Americans Receiving SNAP Benefits

Participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides food assistance to low-income households, declined by 5.5 million people, or 13%, between July 2025 and July 2026. Enrollment fell to 36.1 million people, its lowest level in 17 years. An estimated 2 million children were among those no longer receiving benefits. The decline followed enactment of the 2025 federal budget reconciliation law, which expanded SNAP work requirements, restricted eligibility, and will shift additional program costs to states beginning in fiscal year 2028.

SNAP participation declined in every state except Alaska. Enrollment fell by approximately 5% or . . .