SNAP proposal would increase food insecurity for millions of Americans, critics warn

Proposed eligibility changes

The proposal would narrow who can qualify for SNAP, a federally authorized food assistance program. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities says people with gross household income slightly above 130% of the poverty line could lose benefits; for a family of three, that is about $35,500 annually.

The Agriculture Department projects that enrollment would fall by roughly 17% if the rule takes effect. The administration says it is pursuing steps to prevent fraud and reduce costs, while critics argue the changes would make food hardship worse.

Other assistance at stake

The proposed rule could affect eligibility for other federal programs that use SNAP status to determine access. The agency estimates nearly 1.8 million children could lose free school lunches, and 5,500 low-income women could lose supplemental food aid for women and children.

Criticism and earlier effort

Rep. Angie Craig, a Minnesota Democrat and ranking member of the House Agriculture Committee, called the proposal “heartless and cruel.” Advocates also contend that the existing policy, authorized by Congress, makes SNAP easier to access and reduces states’ administrative costs.

The administration proposed a similar rule in 2019, but the Biden administration withdrew it two years later. A Trump administration official told CBS News by email that the government would continue efforts to stop fraud and make life more affordable for Americans.