Story perspectives

SNAP Enrollment Plummets 11% After Stricter Eligibility Law

5/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

SNAP enrollment fell from 42.8 million in January 2025 to 37.8 million in February 2026, 11 percent drop.
Arizona’s participation fell by 60,719 (11.9 percent) and Georgia’s by 137,338 (9.6 percent) between January and February 2026.
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act tightened eligibility and added work requirements for adults up to age 64, adding veterans, homeless, foster youth and parents of children 14 or older.
Professor Elizabeth Palley warned the decline could raise food insecurity and hurt economies that depend on SNAP spending.

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Story summary

SNAP enrollment fell from 42.8 million in January 2025 to 37.8 million in February 2026, 11 percent drop.
Arizona’s participation fell by 60,719 (11.9 percent) and Georgia’s by 137,338 (9.6 percent) between January and February 2026.
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act tightened eligibility and added work requirements for adults up to age 64, adding veterans, homeless, foster youth and parents of children 14 or older.
Professor Elizabeth Palley warned the decline could raise food insecurity and hurt economies that depend on SNAP spending.