Millions of Americans have lost access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) as funding faces uncertainty and states confront increased administrative costs. Without congressional action to delay changes included in the GOP's "One Big Beautiful Bill," a significant cost shift could impact the program starting October 1.
Under the current law, states will be responsible for 75% of the administrative costs for SNAP beginning in October. Over the next few years, this cost-sharing is set to expand to include a percentage of benefit costs, tied to each state's error rate. Food assistance groups are urging Congress to pass a resolution delaying this implementation to allow states more time to prepare for the financial burden.
The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP) reports that approximately 5 million Americans have lost SNAP benefits since the bill became law, with over 1.5 million children affected. Dottie Rosenbaum, director of federal SNAP policy at CBPP, attributed much of this decline to changes in work requirements and administrative hurdles for applicants. The law raised the age limit for able-bodied adults without dependents required to meet work requirements from 54 to 64, and lowered the qualifying age for exemptions for parents and other family members responsible for a dependent from 18 to 14.
"The declines we're seeing in SNAP participation so far are far deeper and far faster than the Congressional Budget Office predicted," Rosenbaum stated, expressing alarm over the number of children impacted. She added that individuals are increasingly struggling to afford food, facing difficult choices between rent, groceries, and other necessities.
The White House has not commented on whether it supports delaying the cost shift, though the administration has previously supported stricter work requirements. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins stated in January that the "American dream is not being on [a] food stamp program," characterizing it as a "hand up, not a handout."
Impacts in Various States
States are already seeing significant changes in SNAP participation. In Arizona, after the state implemented stricter documentation requirements and preauthorization reviews following the passage of H.R. 1, over 400,000 SNAP recipients lost access. Terri Shoemaker, executive vice president of the Arizona Food Bank Network, noted a corresponding increase in food bank visits, stating that while communities rallied to help, the scale of need is immense. "For every one meal that Arizona food banks provide for families, SNAP usually provides about five," Shoemaker said, highlighting the challenge food banks face in filling the gap.
In New Mexico, The Food Depot reported distributing over 8 million meals in 2025, with lines for assistance often extending over a mile and a half. Jill Dixon, executive director of The Food Depot, described the situation as deeply personal and a significant community issue, warning of hard times ahead.
Predominantly Republican states are also experiencing substantial declines. Louisiana has seen the second-largest per-capita reduction in SNAP recipients, with 21% losing access, according to CBPP. In Arkansas, Food Bank of North Central Arkansas CEO Jeff Quick stated that food banks cannot compensate for the loss of SNAP, estimating a potential $1.2 billion negative economic impact on the state if the program faces significant cuts. Quick also noted that work requirements have disproportionately affected low-wage workers in Arkansas.
Call for Congressional Action
Food bank organizations are advocating for Congress to pass a resolution that would delay the cost shift, providing states more time to improve payment accuracy and reduce error rates before assuming additional financial responsibilities. "States need more time to work to lower their error rate and improve their payment accuracy in a way that doesn't limit access to benefits," Rosenbaum emphasized.
A version of the farm bill that includes a delay to the SNAP cost shift has been introduced by Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman, but it has not yet advanced through the other chamber. Lawmakers are scheduled to return to Washington on September 14.