In 2024, SNAP served 41 million people nationwide, or 1 in 8 members of the U.S. population. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) cuts federal funding for SNAP by $187 billion over the course of 10 years, with an estimated 22.3 million individuals losing some or all of the food assistance they need to buy groceries.
If budget cuts to SNAP under OBBBA are not reversed, states will face a greater burden to fill the funding gap or pass the costs on to taxpayers. Farmers, local food stores, and workers in agriculture, retail grocery, and food processing will experience negative economic impacts, especially in rural areas where food retailers rely on SNAP sales. Millions of Americans will face increased food insecurity and financial hardship, with veterans, low-income seniors, and low-income households with children and non-elderly disabled individuals being disproportionately affected. Additionally, rises in food insecurity will lead to higher healthcare costs as individuals are forced to choose between meals and medications.
