Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins recently noted a drop of 4.3 million people in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which many refer to as food stamps. While she credits this change to a crackdown on fraud and a stronger economy, experts suggest the real reason lies in new legislation affecting the program.
The Legislative Shift
Recent data highlights that new requirements established by a significant tax and spending bill — known as H.R. 1 — are the main factor behind the decrease in SNAP participants. The Congressional Budget Office estimates this bill could reduce SNAP funding by around $186 billion over the next decade. Roger Figueroa, a public health expert at Cornell University, pointed out that accessing SNAP has become more challenging due to these changes.
Fraud Rates Are Low
Many experts argue that claiming reduced fraud as a major cause for the drop is misleading. In fact, in the fiscal year 2023, only 41,476 individuals were disqualified from SNAP due to fraud—less than 1% of all participants. Caitlin Caspi, a researcher from the University of Connecticut, doesn’t see evidence of fraud playing a significant role in the decline of SNAP users.
Persistent Food Insecurity
Despite some positive indicators in the economy, like wage growth, food prices have also been on the rise. In 2025, food prices surged by 3.1%, with expectations of a 2.9% increase in 2026. Kate Bauer, a professor at the University of Michigan, expressed concerns that many people remain below the poverty line, even during good economic times. Higher-income households have seen more substantial gains, while lower-income families continue to struggle.
Changes to Work Requirements
The H.R. 1 bill made significant alterations to who is required to comply with work mandates to qualify for SNAP. Adults previously exempt from these requirements must now meet stricter conditions, such as working or engaging in job training for at least 80 hours each month. This shift affects many vulnerable populations, further complicating their situation.
By the Numbers
When Donald Trump started his second term in January 2025, approximately 42.83 million people were enrolled in SNAP. By January 2026, that number had dropped to roughly 38.55 million—a near 10% decline. Most of this reduction happened after the signing of H.R. 1 in July, leading to a drop of about 3.47 million participants in that second half of the year.
Conclusion
As SNAP undergoes significant changes, understanding the economic and legislative landscape is crucial. The interplay between food insecurity rates and government policies continues to shape the lives of millions. Addressing these issues holistically may help provide clearer pathways for those in need.
For more information about SNAP programs and changes, you can visit the USDA website.
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Donald Trump, Brooke Rollins, Government programs, General news, Domestic News, Caitlin Caspi, Economy, Associated Press, Politics, United States Congressional Budget Office, U.S. Republican Party, Labor, Economic indicators, Business, Taxes, Washington news, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Kate Bauer, Washington News
