New SNAP Program Rules Cut Millions Nationwide
· Telemundo McAllen (KTLM)
TEXAS – Food banks across North Texas report that they are already feeling the impact of sweeping changes to the country’s largest food assistance program, as millions of families nationwide face reduced access to benefits under a new federal law. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP, is undergoing significant changes under the 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act,' which was enacted last summer. The legislation cuts an estimated $1.87 trillion from SNAP over the next decade, expands work requirements for beneficiaries, and shifts more costs to the states. Advocates warn that the effects are already being felt. A study cited by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation shows that participation in SNAP nationwide fell by about 8% between July 2025 and early 2026, a decrease of more than 3 million people who lost access to the program. In Texas, food bank leaders say these figures reflect what they are seeing on the ground. 'The changes from last year’s HR one legislation are just starting to be felt,' said Clarissa Clarke from the North Texas Food Bank. 'So people might be losing their benefits because they are not aware of the changes.' One of the most significant changes involves the expansion of work requirements. Previously, able-bodied adults without dependents had to meet work requirements until the age of 54. Under the new law, that threshold has been raised to 64. The requirements for parents have also been tightened, lowering the age of children whose caregivers can be exempt. Clarke noted that these changes can be confusing, and in some cases, people may be losing benefits simply because they are unaware of the new rules. 'You had to do 20 hours of work a week, volunteer, or participate in job training. And now that has been expanded to 64 years old,' she said. 'So people might be losing their benefits because they don’t realize the changes.' The timing also raises concerns. Food banks typically see increased demand during the summer months when children lose access to free or reduced-price school meals. 'We always see a slight increase in the summer because kids are not in school,' Clarke said. 'There are some feeding programs... but we do see more people in our food pantries.' She added that cuts to SNAP could further strain a system that is already struggling to meet demand.
AI summary · Source: Telemundo McAllen (KTLM) →
