The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as the food stamp program, has undergone significant changes recently, particularly following a federal government shutdown in October 2025. This program provides essential food assistance to approximately 42 million Americans, helping them afford groceries during difficult times.
Changes to SNAP and Government Spending
A new tax and spending bill passed in 2025 introduced expanded work requirements for beneficiaries, tightened eligibility criteria, and imposed cost-sharing obligations on states. These amendments are projected to reduce federal SNAP spending by $186.7 billion over the next decade. During the 43-day government shutdown, certain delays occurred in November payments due to legal challenges and state-level adjustments.
Current Participation Rates
In May 2025, around 41.7 million individuals from 22.4 million households were benefitting from SNAP. This statistic equates to nearly one in eight Americans. Throughout the first eight months of the fiscal year 2025, an average of 42.4 million people received assistance monthly.
Historical Trends in SNAP Usage
SNAP participation has fluctuated over the years, often rising during economic downturns. For instance, the COVID-19 pandemic saw a notable increase in enrollment, with numbers jumping from 37.2 million in March 2020 to over 43 million by September of that year. This represents approximately 13% of the U.S. population. The program, initiated in 1964, saw its first significant expansion in 1974 when all states were mandated to participate.
Eligibility and Work Requirements
To qualify for SNAP, households must typically meet income criteria based on the federal poverty level. For a family of four, the gross monthly income should be at or below $3,483. Changes in 2025 also added new restrictions on how households can deduct expenses for utilities and internet from their income calculations.
Most beneficiaries aged 16 to 59 must meet specific work requirements. This includes registering with state agencies and working at least 30 hours a week. Recent legislation has raised the maximum applicable age for these requirements from 49 to 65, applying stricter guidelines to a broader demographic.
Demographics of SNAP Recipients
- In 2023, adults accounted for approximately 65% of SNAP recipients, while children made up about 35%.
- Racial demographics indicate that 44.2% of adult recipients identified as non-Hispanic White, 27% as Black, and 24.2% as Hispanic.
- More than half of adult recipients (61%) reported not being employed at any point during the year.
Benefit Amounts and Variations
In May 2025, the average SNAP benefit was $188.45 per person and $350.89 per household. Prior to this, benefits peaked during the pandemic at an average of $259.50 per person in November 2022. Benefits can vary widely among states due to differences in income calculations and living costs.
Guam has the highest SNAP usage rate at 22.5%, while Wyoming has the lowest at just 4.6%. Variations in SNAP participation reflect local economic conditions and state policies.
Purchasing with SNAP Benefits
SNAP benefits can cover most grocery items but exclude non-food products, alcoholic beverages, and hot prepared foods. Those enrolled can purchase seeds and plants for household food production as well.
As of September 2024, nearly 267,000 retailers, including supermarkets and online services, are authorized to accept SNAP benefits, which account for a significant portion of grocery purchases among beneficiaries.
The Financial Impact of SNAP
For the first eight months of fiscal 2025, the federal government allocated nearly $65 billion toward SNAP, marking a 4.7% increase from the previous year. SNAP remains one of the larger federal welfare programs but is not the largest, with Medicare and Medicaid surpassing its expenditures significantly.
As states prepare for potential financial adjustments due to new legislative requirements, the road ahead for SNAP remains complex. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for stakeholders involved in supporting food security across the nation.
