Enrollment in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the largest federal food aid program in the U.S., has dropped by more than 13% in a 12-month period, a decline steeper than government estimates anticipated as new requirements take hold. The program, which helps more than one in 10 Americans purchase food, saw its rolls decrease from 42.2 million in May 2025 to 36.6 million in May 2026.
Newly released federal data indicates that the drop has been more rapid since the implementation of changes associated with President Donald Trump's "one big beautiful bill," which overhauled social safety net programs. These changes include expanded work requirements that now affect most of the country, with some areas to implement them next year. The updated requirements now apply to most adults aged 54 and younger without minor children, expanding to include those aged 55 to 64, and those with children aged 14 to 17. Previously exempt groups, including some homeless individuals, are also now subject to these requirements.
While proponents of welfare reform hope the reductions are driven by individuals earning sufficient income to no longer qualify, advocates point to administrative complexities as a significant factor. Tia Fields, a social safety net policy analyst at Invest in Louisiana, stated that a substantial reason for people losing coverage is "administrative paperwork," not necessarily failure to meet work requirements. Some state agencies running the program have also reported being overwhelmed by the changes.
Arizona has experienced the most significant enrollment drop, with a decrease of over 50% in a 12-month period, impacting more than 400,000 fewer people. State officials attributed this decline largely to the challenges of implementing the new federal requirements, which led to high call volumes and administrative hurdles. Brett Bezio, a spokesperson for the Arizona Department of Economic Security, noted that "creating real barriers for applicants" was a consequence of additional verification requirements.
Other states have also reported notable declines. Georgia, Louisiana, and Nevada saw drops exceeding 20%, while Florida reported a decrease reflecting the state's focus on economic self-sufficiency. Advocates express concern over the broader implications of these enrollment declines. Children in households receiving SNAP are often automatically enrolled in free school lunch programs and other nutritional assistance. The decrease in SNAP benefits could strain resources at food banks, which are already seeing increased demand.
The Congressional Budget Office had projected a slower decline in SNAP enrollment over the next decade, estimating it would fall below 34 million by 2036. However, the current pace suggests enrollment could reach those projected levels much sooner. Experts anticipate further impacts as states face cost-sharing requirements beginning in October 2027 if their rate of payment errors exceeds 6%, a situation that could lead some states to deny benefits to avoid penalties.
Individual experiences highlight the challenges. LaDiamond Lopez in Phoenix lost her benefits due to issues with income and household documentation required to determine work requirement compliance. She has faced difficulties providing necessary paperwork and navigating the reinstatement process, causing significant financial strain and uncertainty.
Some beneficiaries, like immigrants in Florida, may also be hesitant to seek benefits due to fears related to immigration crackdowns. Paco Velez, president and CEO of Feeding South Florida, noted this as a contributing factor to the enrollment drop in that state.
Advocacy groups emphasize that while food banks and schools are vital, they cannot fully replicate the scale and impact of SNAP in addressing food insecurity.