Patrick
Approximately 42 million low-income Americans rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)—commonly referred to as food stamps—to afford their groceries.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and its Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) manage the program and have announced a major reform effort aimed at reducing fraud, duplication, and system inefficiencies.
SNAP by the Numbers
Rising Costs and Program Usage
SNAP became a subject of national concern during the recent federal government shutdown when funding nearly ran dry. According to USDA data for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024:
- The program cost just over $100 billion.
- More than 42 million individuals received SNAP assistance.
- The average monthly benefit was $190.59 per person.
- Households received an average of $356.21 per month.
How SNAP Works
Federal Funding, State Administration
While the federal government pays for SNAP, states are responsible for processing applications and determining who qualifies under federal guidelines.
EBT: How Benefits Are Delivered
Approved beneficiaries use Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards, which function like prepaid debit cards, to purchase eligible grocery items in stores nationwide.
Recent Findings: Fraud, Duplicate Accounts, and Eligibility Issues
A recent USDA review, based on information from 29 states, revealed troubling discrepancies:
- 186,000 deceased individuals were still listed as SNAP beneficiaries.
- 356,000 duplicate enrollments were identified across state systems.
As a response, the USDA has committed to strengthening oversight and now requires all recipients to reapply to verify their eligibility.
New SNAP Requirements Now in Effect
Policy Changes Effective December 1
The Trump administration implemented significant changes on December 1, describing them as necessary reforms to control program spending.
Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the work requirement age was raised from 54 to 64. Individuals within this age bracket must complete at least 80 hours per month of:
- Employment
- Approved job training
- Volunteer work
These new rules apply to both new applicants and current participants when they undergo recertification.
Projected Impact
According to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), these work requirements are expected to reduce participation by an estimated 2.4 million average monthly recipients over the next decade.
The administration argues that SNAP costs have escalated due to increased dependence and ongoing fraud within the system.
Historical Background of SNAP
Origins During the Great Depression
The program began during the 1930s Great Depression as the Food Stamp Program (FSP). The first documented recipient was Mabel McFiggin of Rochester, New York, on May 16, 1939.
Major Milestones
- 1964: Congress permanently established the FSP under the Food Stamp Act.
- 1980s: Introduction of the Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) system.
- 1984: First EBT pilot in Reading, Pennsylvania.
- 2008: The Farm Bill expanded federal support and rebranded the program as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
SNAP remains a vital food assistance program for millions of Americans, but its massive scope also brings challenges.
The new work requirements, stricter eligibility checks, and renewed focus on preventing fraud signal sweeping changes aimed at tightening the system.
While the updates may reduce overall enrollment over the next decade, officials believe these reforms will strengthen the program’s integrity and ensure support reaches those who need it most.