6.3 Million Americans Could Lose SNAP Benefits Under Trump Proposal

The Trump administration has proposed restricting access to SNAP, the federal grocery assistance program. The change would limit how families qualify through certain benefits and services provided by Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, including some childcare and employment support.

USDA projects that approximately 3.2 million households, including 6.3 million people, would lose SNAP. The agency expects the proposal to reach its full effects in fiscal year 2029.

For families affected, the loss could put more pressure on a budget already divided among housing, transportation, childcare, and food. Having an income above a program’s limit does not necessarily mean a household has room to absorb another expense.

Children’s school meals could also be affected. Nearly 1.78 million children would lose automatic eligibility for free meals, although USDA says most would remain eligible based on income. Some families would face additional paperwork to keep that support.

The administration argues that tighter eligibility rules would protect SNAP’s integrity. Advocates for families are concerned about the added difficulty of paying for groceries.

The proposal is not final. A 30-day public comment period gives the public an opportunity to respond before the government moves forward with a final rule.