Participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) fell by more than 300,000 people in a single month, according to new data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). SNAP, the country's largest food assistance program, helps low- and no-income households pay for groceries.
National enrollment has now declined for 16 consecutive months since March 2025, continuing a downward trend as major changes to the program are being implemented under President Donald Trump's administration. The latest USDA figures show that about 36.35 million people received SNAP benefits in June 2026, the most recent month available, down from 36.69 million in May. Most states reported falling caseloads, although participation increased in a smaller number of states.
There is no single explanation for the decline in SNAP participation, but the downward trend has accelerated as states have begun dealing with significant eligibility and work requirement changes enacted under the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBBA) in July 2025. The law expanded the group of adults subject to SNAP's requirement to complete at least 80 hours per month of work, training or other qualifying activities. The upper age limit increased from 59 to 64, bringing more able-bodied adults without dependents under the rules.
It also removed exemptions previously available to veterans, people experiencing homelessness, and former foster youth. Caregiver exemptions were narrowed as well, meaning some parents with children aged 14 or older can now be required to meet work or training conditions to continue receiving benefits. Changes to eligibility rules can also affect participation through the administrative process.
SNAP recipients have to provide required information and periodically recertify their eligibility, and households can lose benefits if they fail to complete these requirements. As a result, falling caseloads do not necessarily mean every person leaving the program has experienced an increase in income and no longer require food stamps; some losses can result from eligibility, reporting or compliance requirements. "SNAP is a means tested, appropriated entitlement.
If a household is eligible, they receive the benefit," a USDA spokesperson told Newsweek. "However, those same households are subject to recertification. Individuals might move to employment, become disinterested in participating, or experience another change in household circumstances." They added: "Therefore, the number of individuals receiving benefits is constantly changing and is not representative of any one policy.
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