New SNAP Requirements and Cuts Impact Millions in the U.S.

Beginning February 1st, a sweeping overhaul of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps, began impacting millions across the United States. This significant shift marks one of the most substantial reforms in the program's history.

Driven by the Trump administration through the federal One Big Beautiful Bill, these changes introduce cuts, new restrictions, and requirements that are already affecting the nation's most vulnerable populations.

A Historical Shift in Food Assistance

SNAP was established over eight decades ago with the aim of combating food insecurity across America. Currently, it supports approximately 42 million Americans in 22 million households, which translates to nearly one in eight residents, according to PEW Research.

However, as of February 1st, the safety net provided by SNAP has undergone dramatic changes. The legislation, signed by Donald Trump on July 4th, includes an approximate $186 billion reduction in SNAP funding through 2034, as reported by the Congressional Budget Office. Analysts at USA Today Network describe this as the largest cut to the program since its inception 86 years ago.

New Work Requirements

Among the most notable changes are the new work-related conditions to maintain benefits: Adults aged 18 to 65 without dependents now must work or participate in a job training program for at least 80 hours per month, a requirement previously applied only up to age 55.

Parents or adults in households with children aged 14 and older must also meet these criteria, whereas the previous exemption applied to those with children under 18. Veterans, the homeless, and young adults aged 18 to 24 exiting foster care are no longer exempt.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed, "Even veterans now need to demonstrate employment to continue receiving food stamps." Additionally, states can only extend benefits to unemployed individuals if local unemployment rates exceed 10%, significantly limiting temporary waivers.

Immigration Eligibility: Fewer Immigrants Qualify

Another major transformation affects immigration eligibility:

• Access is restricted to U.S. citizens and certain legal permanent residents.
• Eligibility is removed for legally present immigrants, including asylum seekers, refugees, and those under humanitarian protection, like survivors of domestic violence or human trafficking.

Restrictions on Purchasable Items: No More Sodas and Candy

The law also imposes limitations on what can be purchased with SNAP benefits. Beneficiaries are now prohibited from using funds to buy:

• Sugary drinks, sodas, and energy drinks.
• Candies, chocolates, and sweets.
• Ultra-processed and salty snacks.
• Prepared desserts and industrial bakery products.

The USDA estimated these items accounted for up to 20% of monthly spending by program beneficiaries. While the government aims to "improve public health and reduce chronic diseases associated with poor diet," advocacy groups view this as punitive, limiting options for low-income families.

In states like Florida, these restrictions will be phased in. From April 20, 2026, the ban on using SNAP for sugary beverages and non-perishable desserts will be enforced.

Florida, Texas, and Other States Among the Hardest Hit

Six states are identified as the most affected by the reform: Florida, Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Colorado, and West Virginia. In Florida, where 2.9 million people (13% of the population) receive SNAP, the consequences are particularly severe.

The state will face up to $1.6 billion in new costs due to the changes, including 15% of total benefits spending and up to 75% of administrative costs. According to the Miami Herald, 38% of beneficiaries in Florida are minors, and 24% are elderly. More than half of the households include someone with a disability.

Government Justifications and Expert Criticism

The Trump administration argues these changes are essential to "reduce massive fraud" and "ensure benefits reach those truly in need." Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins stated that "thousands of unqualified individuals were receiving SNAP benefits," and the reform aims for "fiscal responsibility."

However, the Congressional Research Service refutes this narrative. An April 2025 report indicated that "SNAP fraud is rare," with most improper payments resulting from unintentional administrative errors.

Social organizations and human rights advocates have strongly criticized the reform, warning that in a context of persistent food inflation, these measures may worsen food insecurity and push millions closer to hunger. "The social safety net is being dismantled under the guise of efficiency, while many affected are the working poor, children, and the elderly," stated a spokesperson from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.

Eligibility Requirements for SNAP

Eligibility rules have also become stricter. To qualify for SNAP, individuals must meet criteria such as:

• Being a U.S. citizen or qualified legal resident.
• Having an income below 130% of the federal poverty level (in 2026, this equates to $15,960 for an individual or $33,000 for a family of four).
• Meeting the new work requirements.
• Not having committed drug-related offenses or SNAP fraud.

Florida, for its part, has already enforced since 2024 a rule penalizing beneficiaries who fail to correctly complete required reports or fail to meet work conditions.

A Changing Model

The implementation of the One Big Beautiful Bill signifies a paradigm shift in U.S. food assistance policy, moving from a universal aid logic to a system conditioned by employment, citizenship, and strict oversight. While the government sees this as a political victory in public spending, for millions of families, it means uncertainty, reduced access to food, and more hurdles to survival.

The history of SNAP, which began in 1939 as a national voucher program, is now experiencing one of its most restrictive chapters.