Thousands of families in the United States are discovering that they no longer qualify for SNAP food assistance, even though their income has not changed much. In just one month, more than 660,000 people stopped appearing in the federal assistance programa situation that is generating concern among low-income households that depend on these benefits to buy basic food each week.
New data released by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) shows that lThe number of beneficiaries of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) went from 42.8 million people in January 2025 to 37.8 million in February 2026. This represents a drop of 11% in just over a year. Between January and February 2026 alone, around 668,000 people left the program.
SNAP, popularly known as “food stamps,” is the largest anti-hunger program in the country. At the moment, delivers an average of $354 per month per household through electronic cards that can be used in supermarkets and authorized stores.
The reduction began to accelerate after changes approved under the law known as the One Huge Just Invoice Act (OBBBA) came into effect. These modifications tightened the requirements to maintain benefitsespecially for adults considered able-bodied to work and who do not have dependents.
Now, Work rules apply to people up to 64 years old. In addition, groups that were previously exempt were also subject to the new conditions. They include veterans, homeless people and youth who were in the foster care system. Even some parents with children age 14 or older must prove they work or participate in job training programs to keep help.
For many families, the problem is not necessarily making more money. In numerous cases, beneficiaries lose SNAP because they do not submit documents on timeforget to renew their case, or have difficulty completing the recertification process, which must be done every three to six months, depending on the state.
President Donald Trump’s administration has defended these measures, arguing that seek to reduce dependence on government aid and combat irregularities within the system.
“This legislation combats the fraud and waste that has run rampant within SNAP,” said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. “It also holds states accountable for their mistakes, strengthens work requirements, and prevents illegal immigrants from receiving benefits.”
The numbers show that some states have been hit harder than others. Arizona recorded one of the most severe declines in the country. The number of beneficiaries increased from 509,695 people in January 2026 to 448,976 in Februarya decrease of close to 12% in just one month. If compared to January 2025, the reduction reaches practically 50%.
Georgia reported the largest drop in total numbers, with more than 137,000 people stopping receiving food aid in just one month. Texas also showed a sharp decline, with more than 85,000 fewer beneficiaries. California, Florida and Pennsylvania also recorded thousands of casualties on their lists.
Although most states reported declines, some had small increases. Alaska added more than 1,600 new beneficiarieswhile Idaho and West Virginia showed smaller increases.
Specialists warn that this decrease could have consequences beyond the affected families; the argument is that Fewer people receiving SNAP can translate into more food insecurity.
“Existing research suggests that with a reduction in SNAP benefits there will be an increase in food insecurity. In other words, more people will go hungry” Elizabeth Palley, a social work professor at Adelphi University, told Newsweek.
The academic also warned that local businesses could suffer the impact.
“People who receive SNAP spend that money at local stores,” Palley said. “Without these benefits, people spend less, which could even cause some businesses to close”.
You may also be interested in:
- They will send a direct payment of $500 this month: who qualifies
- The first tariff refund checks arrive: what you should know
- Price of the dollar in Mexico today, May 15, 2026: the greenback strengthens
- Did you use a Bank of The United States card at 7-Eleven? You will receive money on demand
- Kevin Warsh is named the new chairman of the Federal Reserve, approved by the Senate
