SNAP Enrollment Drops as Federal Cuts Strain State Budgets

National enrollment in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) fell by more than 13% between May 2025 and May 2026, dropping from 42.2 million to 36.6 million participants. This decline exceeds Congressional Budget Office projections and follows the implementation of H.R. 1, also known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which introduced expanded work requirements and administrative restructuring under the administration of Donald Trump.

In Connecticut, nearly 63,000 residents lost benefits during the first year of the act. A study by Connecticut Voices for Children found the state underestimated the impact of these cutbacks, which disproportionately affected people with disabling conditions. Governor Ned Lamont responded by allocating $24 million to food banks and distributing $300 grocery gift cards to 25,000 residents, though officials noted these measures only cover a fraction of the need. Economists warn the loss of $155 million in circulating benefits could trigger local job losses.

Financial pressures are mounting for local governments as the federal government shifts administrative burdens. Connecticut expects a $130 million increase in program costs, while the New York State Association of Counties estimates a $168 million cost shift to county budgets by October 2026. By October 2027, the act will shift the cost of the benefits themselves to the states. In response, New York county leaders are urging Congress to implement a two-year delay to prevent budget strain and food insecurity.