More than 1 million children in 19 states have stopped receiving SNAP benefits since the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) was passed in July 2025. This finding comes from a new analysis by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP). SNAP enrollment has fallen sharply across the nation. Participation dropped from around 42 million in early 2025 to just over 37 million by April 2026. This decline follows significant changes to the federal food assistance program during Trump’s administration.
The CBPP analysis indicates children represent a significant portion of the enrollment decline. More than 1.06 million children lost access to benefits across the 19 examined states. SNAP benefits, also known as food stamps, are provided monthly to low- and no-income households for purchasing groceries. It is the largest food assistance program in the U.S.
Overall Decline in SNAP Participation
The analysis reports a total drop in SNAP participation by approximately 2.44 million people across the 19 states. This represents a 12% decline since OBBBA became law. Among those losing benefits, over 1.06 million were children—a 13% drop in child participation. Children accounted for 44% of all SNAP enrollment losses in these states.
Texas saw the largest reduction in both overall and child enrollment. The state lost 597,353 SNAP recipients, including 317,316 children. In Texas, children represented 53% of the total participation decline.
Arizona had the steepest overall percentage drop, with SNAP participation falling by 48% and child enrollment by 49%. The state had 182,058 fewer children receiving benefits, making up 42% of its decline.
California, which has one of the largest SNAP populations, recorded 333,062 fewer participants overall and lost 156,440 child recipients. Children represented 47% of California’s decline.
Louisiana experienced significant proportional reductions, with overall participation dropping by 21% and child enrollment by 23%. Children made up 48% of the state’s total decline.
While some states recorded steep reductions, declines were widespread. States like Alabama, Arkansas, Kansas, Maine, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, and Pennsylvania posted enrollment declines ranging from 7% to 13%.
States with Significant Child Participation Losses
New Jersey topped the list for states where children represented the largest share of overall losses, accounting for 61% of the decline. South Dakota had 57%, New Mexico 56%, and Texas 53% child enrollment loss.
Pennsylvania had the smallest share of losses among children at 28%, followed by Alabama and Maine at 29%.
Reasons for SNAP Enrollment Decline
The participation drop follows changes introduced under the OBBBA, also known as H.R. 1, implemented across different timelines since July 2025. One major policy change expanded work requirements to adults up to age 64. This affects Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs), who must meet broader employment or training criteria to remain eligible.
The legislation also ended exemptions for groups like veterans, homeless individuals, and former foster youth, including them in the work requirement system. Exemptions for caregivers were narrowed, requiring some parents with children aged 14 and older to meet work or training requirements.
A USDA spokesperson stated, “SNAP is a means-tested, appropriated entitlement. Eligible households receive the benefit but are subject to recertification. Participation numbers fluctuate due to employment changes, disinterest, or other household circumstances.
CBPP’s Perspective and Future Implications
The CBPP links participation losses to changes affecting recipients and how SNAP is financed. The 2025 Republican reconciliation law shifted major SNAP costs to states, based on their payment error rates. The CBPP warns of worsening conditions without congressional action to delay this cost shift.
The USDA noted the OBBBA holds states accountable for accurately issuing benefits. The department claims states are issuing over $27 million daily in erroneous benefits, indicating program waste.
The CBPP argues economic conditions don’t explain the sharp decline. Factors like steady unemployment rates, declining real wages, high food insecurity, and rising grocery costs contribute to ongoing challenges.
The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities suggests continued monitoring and evaluation of the impact of these policy changes.
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