Until now, the United States provided a certain level of food security to those with fewer resources or who belonged to more vulnerable sectors. However, with the approval of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) by the U.S. Congress under Donald Trump’s leadership, social benefits and aid are undergoing severe cuts. The most recent cut was announced by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and relates to new requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides a food safety net for more than 42 million Americans but will cease to do so starting next November 1.
With the approval of the OBBBA, the rules for able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) were also modified, who will only be able to receive SNAP benefits for 3 months within a 3-year period unless they engage in some type of work activity, as explained by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, and Housing Secretary Scott Turner in an opinion article in The New York Times.
However, although the aim of this new measure is to reduce the supposed dependence on social assistance, the truth is that data from the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC) reveal that this will have serious repercussions on local economies and rural communities, as thousands of people will be left without this type of food assistance since the states are unable to meet the level of funding proposed by the government.
Changes in SNAP
The announcement by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) regarding the new work and funding requirements of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is generating great controversy among the 42 million Americans who benefit from this food safety net. From now on, it will be the states that have to bear a high percentage of this program, whereas until now it was fully funded by the federal government. Additionally, with the approval of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) last January by the Trump Administration, changes have also been introduced to the rules for adults who can work and have no children or anyone else dependent on them, that is, able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs).
What changes should be taken into account?
Starting November 1, new eligibility and operational requirements for SNAP will come into effect.
- ABAWDs. They will only be able to receive this benefit for 2 months within a 3-year period, unless they engage in some type of work activity or participate in vocational training.
- Age limit. Whereas it was previously 59 years old, it is now 65.
- Parents. While the previous age limit for dependent children was 18 years, it is now 14.
Although pregnant individuals or people unable to work due to physical or mental conditions are still protected, homeless individuals, veterans, or young adults are not exempt from complying with the new measures.
Pros and Cons
According to the Trump Administration, the purpose of this new measure is to reduce dependence on government aid and save taxpayers’ money. In an opinion article published in the New York Times, it can be read that high-ranking officials such as Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, and Housing Secretary Scott Turner wrote: “Capable adults receiving benefits must work, participate in job training, or volunteer for at least 20 hours a week. Limited exceptions will be made for good reasons, such as caring for young children or health issues. Those who can work must do so”.
However, both food experts, advocacy groups, and Democrats warn about the impact that this new measure will have on the more than 42 million people who benefit from this social assistance, leaving them completely helpless.
This is also the case with the data revealed by the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC), which also aligns itself with the alert with its statement, “SNAP is one of the most effective programs against poverty and in favor of growth in the country. Every dollar of SNAP benefits generates up to $1.80 in local economic activities. Cuts to SNAP are cuts to local economies, especially in rural areas where small merchants, farmers, and local businesses rely on SNAP purchases to survive.” According to their data, one in seven rural families depends on SNAP to buy food.