Summary
New federal data shows a decrease in the number of people receiving SNAP benefits across the United States in early 2025. This decline happens during an ongoing federal government shutdown, which has delayed food assistance for millions of Americans.
Key Facts
- Over 645,000 people stopped receiving SNAP benefits between January and May 2025.
- The total number of SNAP recipients decreased from 42,380,525 to 41,735,210 during this period.
- A prolonged trend of declining SNAP enrollment started in October 2024.
- The government shutdown that began on October 1, 2025, is delaying food assistance.
- Georgia saw the largest SNAP recipient drop at 10.5 percent, while North Carolina saw a 9.5 percent drop.
- Alaska and Hawaii experienced small increases in SNAP beneficiaries.
- During former President Joe Biden's administration, SNAP participation increased from about 37 million to over 42 million.
- President Trump commented on the drop but did not cite a specific reason for it.
