Recently, the United States approved a historic reform in its food assistance program known as SNAP, also called the "Big Beautiful Bill." This legislative change brings new restrictions and cuts that will affect millions of beneficiaries, drastically altering the conditions for accessing the program.
Starting from its implementation, work requirements will become stricter and there will be substantial budget cuts. States will also have to assume part of the cost, which raises concerns about the future of the program and the impact on families who depend on it.
Budget cuts and new requirements: What does the Big Beautiful Bill mean?
SNAP's budget will undergo historic cuts. According to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), it is estimated that $186 billion will be cut between 2025 and 2034. This cut could be the largest in the program's history.
In addition, the law expands the work requirement, affecting more people. From now on, all adults up to 64 years old without dependents must meet 80 hours of work or training per month to keep their benefits. This measure not only affects young adults but also parents with children over 14 years old, who must also meet these hours.
Impact and consequences for SNAP beneficiaries
The implementation of the Big Beautiful Bill will bring major changes for the program's most vulnerable beneficiaries. People such as veterans, those without homes, and former teenagers in foster care must also meet the work requirement, despite the economic difficulties they face.
Meanwhile, the nutrition education program that benefited more than 1.8 million people per year will be eliminated. This change will not only affect nutrition education but could also increase food insecurity in various communities, especially in rural and low-income areas.
The implementation process will be gradual; the cuts and new requirements will be activated in phases. State co-financing will begin in 2028, while cuts to nutrition programs will take effect immediately. Work requirements and eligibility limits will also begin to apply as states update their systems throughout the year.
Risks for public health and food security
The changes implemented in the Big Beautiful Bill could lead to an increase in food insecurity. Food banks have already warned that they won't be able to cover all the new beneficiaries who will lose access to SNAP. The lack of access to adequate nutrition could also result in higher medical costs in the long term.
Rural communities, which already face significant challenges in terms of employment and medical care, will see even more complications due to the cuts. The lack of resources and support could make many families struggle to access nutritious food and, therefore, a healthy life.