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Millions of families in the United States have begun to feel the effects of a profound change in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps.
The measure, which came into effect on Monday, September 1, coincided with Labor Day and has raised concerns among beneficiaries and community organizations regarding the extent of its consequences.
What has changed?
The central adjustment is related to the minimum hours required to qualify for the benefit.
Starting this month of September:
Adults will be required to work, volunteer, or participate in training programs for at least 80 hours per month, which is equivalent to 20 hours per week.
The regulation mainly applies to adults without dependents between the ages of 16 and 59, who are able to work and have no family responsibilities.
Those who do not meet this requirement will only be able to receive benefits for three months within a 36-month period (3 years), unless they qualify for an exemption.
In other words, the aim is to restrict access for those who do not maintain a minimum connection with employment or training programs.
Exceptions and exemptions contemplated
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), which oversees SNAP, has established exceptions for individuals in special circumstances. Among them:
-Those who work 30 hours a week or more (or earn at least the equivalent of the federal minimum wage multiplied by 30 hours).
-Parents or primary caregivers of children under 6 years old or of individuals with disabilities.
-Adults with physical or mental limitations that prevent them from working.
-Individuals who regularly participate in a treatment program for alcoholism or drug addiction.
-Students enrolled at least half-time in school or training programs (although additional eligibility rules apply for university students).
These exceptions aim to protect particularly vulnerable groups, although their implementation will depend on verifications and the interpretation of the state authorities overseeing the program.
The blow to families' wallets
The economic effects of the reform are significant. A study by the Urban Institute found that of the 22.3 million families affected by SNAP, approximately 5.3 million would lose at least $25 per month.
On average, the reduction would amount to $146 per month, which represents a significant cut for households that already rely on this assistance to meet their basic food needs.
This could translate into changes in consumer habits. Many families would choose to shop at low-cost supermarkets, such as Walmart, in search of maximizing every dollar, while larger chains could perceive a decline in sales.
According to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), up to 2.4 million people, including families with children, could lose their monthly benefits.
A program that supports millions of households
SNAP represents the country's primary food security network, serving over 40 million beneficiaries.
Through preloaded debit cards, low-income families can purchase basic products at supermarkets and authorized stores.
However, the recent changes entail a historic cut in access to this program, regarded as the largest since its inception.
President Donald Trump went on to define the tax law that frames this reform as his “One Big Beautiful Bill” or “Big Beautiful Bill”, emphasizing its transformative nature.
However, among experts and social policy analysts, it is regarded as the regulation that imposes the toughest adjustments in the history of SNAP.
A debate with social impact
Beyond the numbers, the reform to SNAP opens a debate about how the United States addresses poverty and food security.
For those who support the changes, it serves as an incentive for beneficiaries to enter the labor market.
For critics, on the other hand, this is a cut that penalizes the poorest sectors in an economic context where access to stable jobs with sufficient hours is not always guaranteed.
The truth is that, starting this September, millions of families will need to adapt to a new reality: working longer hours, demonstrating their participation in training programs, or facing the possibility of losing a benefit that has been a lifeline against food insecurity for years.
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