A recent study reveals that when states cut emergency SNAP benefits, families face more challenges in affording food and routine expenses. This change comes after the pandemic, when many families relied on these benefits to stay afloat.
The U.S. Congressional Budget Office predicts the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) will reduce funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by $186 billion over the next ten years. Health experts worry that this reduction will harm food security for the 47 million families who depend on SNAP.
According to the study published in Preventive Medicine, after states halted emergency SNAP allotments, families experienced an uptick in food insufficiency. The risk of not having enough food increased by five percentage points among those affected. Moreover, difficulties in paying for household expenses rose by eight percentage points.
Dr. Paul Shafer, the study’s lead author, says early cuts to SNAP added strain to family budgets. Households with children were particularly hit hard, highlighting how essential SNAP is for family well-being.
The research team analyzed data from the Household Pulse Survey, comparing families in states that ended benefits early to those that continued for a longer period. The federal government lifted expanded SNAP assistance in May 2023, following the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency.
Food insufficiency impacts more than just physical health; it can also harm children’s mental well-being. Dr. Shafer explains, “Food insecurity is linked with higher levels of stress and depression.” SNAP support helps families avoid adverse effects on health and development.
The OBBBA includes changes to SNAP eligibility criteria, with more stringent work reporting requirements affecting various groups. Dr. Shafer notes that numerous Americans could fall through the cracks because of these shifts, worsening food insecurity.
Tracking these changes will be vital, say researchers. Dr. Stephanie Ettinger de Cuba highlights that factors like tariffs and inflation can further strain the SNAP program. Given the past impacts of program changes, the concern is that SNAP may struggle to provide the necessary support when families need it most.
This data sheds light on the importance of SNAP, not just for feeding families but also for supporting their overall health and stability. Experts urge for careful consideration of how funding cuts and changes in policy will affect those already vulnerable.
For more detailed information, visit the Boston University School of Public Health.
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Food, Children, covid-19, Medicine, Nutrition, Pandemic, Public Health, Research
