Impact of SNAP Benefit Reductions on Food Security in Families

Recent analyses highlight the potential consequences of proposed reductions to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which is crucial for food security among millions of American families. The U.S. Congressional Budget Office projects that the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) will lead to a $186 billion reduction in SNAP funding over the next decade. This significant cut raises concerns among health experts regarding the implications for the 47 million families who depend on this vital support.

A study published in the journal Preventive Medicine examines the adverse effects on food security and financial stability experienced by families when several states discontinued emergency SNAP allotments that had been provided during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings indicate that the reduction in SNAP benefits correlates with increased challenges in affording both food and other essential household expenses, especially among families with children.

According to the study, the likelihood of food insufficiency--a metric indicating that households did not have enough food to eat within the previous week--rose by five percentage points after the termination of emergency allotments in certain states in 2021. Additionally, the difficulty in managing household expenses surged by eight percentage points following the same reductions.

The research underscores the pivotal role of SNAP as the largest food and nutrition assistance program in the United States. It is hoped that the data will inform policy discussions regarding the adequacy of SNAP benefits to ensure the well-being of affected families. The study's lead author noted that states opting to end emergency SNAP allotments prematurely added further strain on family finances, affecting not only food accessibility but also the ability to cover other essential expenses.

The study utilized data from the national Household Pulse Survey, comparing responses from nearly 16,000 individuals in states that terminated SNAP emergency allotments in 2021 and 2022. The nationwide end of expanded SNAP assistance occurred when the federal government lifted the COVID-19 public health emergency in May 2023.

Food insufficiency was determined based on surveys regarding the types of food consumed by households in the preceding week and their overall food security. The study also assessed households' capacity to manage standard expenses like rent, mortgage payments, and medical costs.

Beyond immediate health issues, the researchers highlighted that even short interruptions in food access can significantly impact mental and emotional well-being, particularly for children. The support provided by SNAP goes beyond mere food provision; it plays a crucial role in enhancing family health and stability while mitigating developmental risks in children.

In addition to funding cuts, the OBBBA proposes several changes to SNAP eligibility criteria, including stricter work reporting requirements for various groups, such as older adults, parents of children over 14, veterans, and the unhoused. This shift may result in approximately 2.4 million Americans losing access to benefits, further straining food assistance programs such as food pantries, which are already under significant pressure.

Experts stress the importance of monitoring how these changes to SNAP benefits affect family health and financial stability. With ongoing challenges such as inflation, rising tariffs, and increasing unemployment, the purchasing power of SNAP is under threat. Concerns are growing that SNAP may not function as intended--expanding during crises and contracting during better times--potentially leading to greater hardship for many families.