SNAP Enrollment Falls 13% In Year As New Work Rules Take Hold
Newly released USDA data show national SNAP enrollment fell from 42.2 million in May 2025 to 36.6 million in May 2026, a decline exceeding 13 percent, signaling millions lost grocery aid.[1]
Arizona recorded the steepest 12-month drop, with participation down more than 50 percent, while Georgia, Louisiana and Nevada each saw declines above 20 percent.[1] The accelerated decline follows phased implementation of new federal work, education and volunteering requirements that tightened exemptions for many adults without minor children.[1]
Phased implementation began in 2025 under President Trump's "big beautiful bill," and the rules expanded mandates for adults up to age 54 who do not care for minor children.[1]
PBS reporting notes enrollment is falling faster than analysts expected, raising concerns about growing food insecurity as states enforce the new rules.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- Newly released USDA data show SNAP enrollment fell from 42.2 million in May 2025 to 36.6 million in May 2026, a decline exceeding 13 percent.
- Arizona recorded the steepest 12‑month drop in the nation, with SNAP participation down more than 50 percent; Georgia, Louisiana and Nevada each saw declines above 20 percent.
- The accelerated decline follows phased implementation beginning in 2025 of President Trump's 'big beautiful bill,' which expanded work, education or volunteering requirements and tightened exemptions for many adults up to age 54 without minor children.
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