SNAP Numbers Fall Across US–Food Banks Are Sounding the Alarm
Summary
The number of people receiving SNAP food assistance in the U.S. dropped by about 4.3 million from January 2025 to January 2026 after new federal rules made it harder to qualify. Food banks report more people are seeking their help as fewer Americans get SNAP benefits.Key Facts
- SNAP enrollment fell from 42.8 million in January 2025 to 38.5 million in January 2026.
- The drop followed policy changes from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act in mid-2025 that tightened work and eligibility rules.
- Groups like veterans, homeless people, and former foster youth lost certain exemptions and faced stricter requirements.
- Maryland saw SNAP participation decline from about 680,000 to 644,000 in one year.
- Food banks notice more people turning to them for food assistance due to reduced SNAP access.
- Some people losing SNAP benefits were financially stable before but now struggle with paperwork, transportation, or work rules.
- SNAP provides an average household benefit of $354.32 per month through a prepaid card for groceries.
- Experts say the need for food assistance does not disappear when SNAP access shrinks; it shifts to charities and food banks.
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