Tens of thousands of Americans are losing access to food assistance monthly, while Congress discusses slowing down significant cuts to federal food stamps. Recent data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture reveals that over 330,000 Americans lost access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) between May and June. Since the One Big Beautiful Bill Act’s implementation last July, over 5 million people have lost food stamps, as the law altered SNAP eligibility rules, removed some work requirement exemptions, and imposed new costs on states managing the federal program.
The Food Research and Action Center analysis indicates a decrease in SNAP participation in every state except Alaska, where unique geographic and economic challenges exist, such as higher food prices and seasonal unemployment. For instance, Arizona saw SNAP participation shrink by more than half since July 2025, with around 421,000 people receiving aid this June. Louisiana’s enrollment decreased by over 173,000, a 22% drop, while Illinois saw a decrease of more than 368,000, about 20%.
Advocates are urging Congress to reverse SNAP cuts, which they believe will worsen hunger as grocery prices climb. Although nonprofits and political leaders have pushed for a complete rollback, Congress, controlled by Republicans, has only agreed to delay some cuts. The Senate is currently debating the farm bill, which funds SNAP, farm subsidies, and rural development. This month, the Republican-led Senate Agriculture Committee approved a farm bill proposal delaying SNAP cost shifts to states by a year, though Democrats sought a two-year delay.
The current legislation’s expiration on Sept. 30 adds urgency. Last year’s tax and spending law mandates states to bear more SNAP administrative costs, starting fall 2027, and introduces penalties for states based on payment error rates, potentially costing billions. If passed, the current farm bill gives states until October 2028 to reduce error rates before absorbing costs. States will likely need to develop new IT and budgeting systems since SNAP benefits haven’t historically been a state budget line item. “There are lots of questions about how and when the cost share will be paid,” said Lauren Kallins from the National Conference of State Legislatures.
Republicans, including Arkansas Senator John Boozman, argue that error rates show a need for state program administration improvements. However, anti-hunger groups believe a one-year delay is inadequate protection. Crystal FitzSimons, president of the Food Research and Action Center, stated, “Congress must use any other legislative vehicle to reverse the SNAP cuts and address the cost shifts to states to provide meaningful assistance to both families and farmers.”
