Experts Warn: Federal Budget Cuts Threaten Food Programs for New Hampshire Residents

Budget cuts and a government shutdown are affecting around 48,000 households in New Hampshire that rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). According to the New Hampshire Food Alliance, the recent changes from the Trump administration’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act mean SNAP benefits will no longer be adjusted yearly for cost of living. This could lead to a $15 drop per person, per month by 2034.

Economics professor Patricia Anderson is concerned about the impact of these cuts. She notes that local food pantries will likely face increased demand. “When federal programs can’t meet the need, food banks are the ones to step in,” she said, recalling how lines formed at food banks during COVID-19. “We could see that happen again.”

The cuts also shift more costs to New Hampshire, increasing the state’s share of administrative expenses from 50% to 75%. This change will add an extra $6 million in annual costs, as explained by government professor and State Rep. Russell Muirhead. He warns that low state taxes will make it hard for New Hampshire to handle these expenses, especially after the repeal of the dividends and interest tax, which brought in $184 million each year.

Additionally, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act has altered SNAP eligibility. Beneficiaries must now work at least 80 hours per month, putting about 15,000 New Hampshire residents at risk of losing their benefits, according to the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities. Economics professor Angela Wyse highlights a major concern: “What about people with disabilities? Increased work requirements raise significant questions for those who can’t meet them without jeopardizing their health.”

The ongoing government shutdown means SNAP recipients may not receive their benefits for November. Republican Governor Kelly Ayotte mentioned that the state can maintain SNAP operations for about 30 days during a federal shutdown and is preparing a contingency plan for any extended impact. However, she did not respond to additional inquiries about these challenges.

Democratic Executive Councilor Karen Liot Hill believes that even if the government reopens, the enacted SNAP cuts will still hurt families in New Hampshire. “Whether there’s a shutdown or not, more families will lose access to food assistance,” she said.

Wyse pointed out that food insecurity tends to rise during economic downturns. “We are still recovering from high unemployment rates from the pandemic, which leaves many Americans vulnerable and food insecure,” she noted. She also emphasized the long-term benefits of SNAP for children in low-income families, who rely on it for free or reduced-price meals at school. “Without SNAP, these children may lack access to food during school hours, which can hurt their education.”

The conversation around SNAP and food security is evolving, especially on social media. Many users are sharing personal stories about relying on food assistance, which adds a human element to the statistics. Recent surveys show that food assistance programs are seen as essential for community support, reinforcing the idea that many families are just one paycheck away from food insecurity.

To learn more about SNAP and its impacts, visit the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities.

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