Trump regulations seen as 5 million people leave food stamp program

Law changes SNAP rules

The “Big Beautiful Bill,” enacted in July 2025, expanded work requirements for SNAP and moved more of the program’s costs to states. The Congressional Budget Office estimated the law would reduce federal spending on SNAP by about $187 billion through 2034.

Work requirements now cover adults ages 18 to 64, compared with the previous range of 18 to 54. They also apply to adults in households with children ages 14 to 17 and no younger children. The law removed automatic exemptions for veterans and people experiencing homelessness.

State declines varied widely

The number of people receiving SNAP fell by more than five million nationwide over the past year, but the changes differed sharply by state. Arizona’s enrollment dropped from about 882,000 to roughly 433,000, a 50 percent reduction.

Food banks report higher demand

SNAP helps low-income households pay for groceries, including families with children, older adults and people with disabilities. Nearly three-quarters of 48 major food banks saw increased demand over the past year, according to an NBC News analysis. A new poll found that 22 percent of Americans worry daily about affording food for themselves or their families.

Democrats criticize cuts

Democrats have argued that the restrictions come as living costs rise. Senator Amy Klobuchar, a Minnesota Democrat, said House Republicans were removing assistance while grocery costs remained a concern. Klobuchar also said Trump’s tariffs were raising food prices by more than $200 for the average family and criticized the use of the revenue to fund tax breaks for wealthy people.