The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps, provides crucial support to over 42 million Americans, helping low-income households afford groceries.
In fiscal year 2025, SNAP recipients are expected to receive an average of $187 per month, which breaks down to roughly $6.16 per day.
However, recent budget proposals and new restrictions on what can be purchased with SNAP benefits have put the future of the program in jeopardy.
Republican lawmakers are pushing for significant budget cuts and limits on eligible food items, sparking controversy and debate over the program’s role in addressing food insecurity.
Budget Cuts
A budget resolution passed by the House of Representatives in February 2025 could dramatically reduce federal funding for SNAP.
While the resolution does not explicitly target SNAP, the House Committee on Agriculture has been directed to cut at least $230 billion in spending through 2034, and much of that is expected to come from SNAP.
Some of the proposals to achieve these cuts include:
- Expanding work requirements, saving an estimated $5 billion
- Limiting SNAP cost adjustments to inflation, saving $36 billion
- Capping benefits for large households (more than six people), saving $2 billion
According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP), cutting SNAP by this amount would require severe reductions in benefits or stricter eligibility rules, potentially leaving millions of Americans without food assistance.
Ivy Enoch, policy and training lead at Hunger Free Vermont, warned that “everyone currently participating in SNAP is at risk of losing some or all of their benefits.” She added that such deep cuts would make it nearly impossible for millions of people to afford groceries.
Democratic Responses
Democratic leaders have strongly opposed the proposed cuts. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries called the budget “reckless” and said it would directly harm low-income families and safety net programs like Medicaid.
Some Republican lawmakers have also expressed concerns, particularly in states with high SNAP participation rates. A group of Republicans sent a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson before the budget vote, urging him to ensure that assistance programs like SNAP remain protected.
Despite these concerns, all but one Republican voted in favor of advancing the budget. However, House Agriculture Committee Chair Glenn “GT” Thompson insisted that his goal is to strengthen SNAP rather than reduce benefits. He stated that the focus should be on preventing fraud and holding states accountable, rather than directly cutting benefits.
Restrictions
In addition to budget reductions, Republican lawmakers in several states are pushing for restrictions on what SNAP recipients can buy. The Healthy SNAP Act, introduced by Republican Representative Josh Brecheen of Oklahoma, aims to ban the purchase of items like soft drinks, candy, ice cream, and prepared desserts with food stamps.
“If someone wants to buy junk food on their own dime, that’s up to them,” Brecheen said in January. “But what we’re saying is, don’t ask the taxpayer to pay for it and then also expect the taxpayer to pick up the tab for the resulting health consequences.”
Similar bills have been introduced by Representative Matt Lockett in Kentucky and Representative Jordan Redman in Idaho. Redman’s bill recently passed the Idaho state House.
These lawmakers argue that SNAP should not cover unhealthy food items, as poor dietary choices contribute to obesity, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses, ultimately increasing healthcare costs.
Purchase Restrictions
Opponents argue that restricting SNAP purchases could create barriers for low-income families and increase food insecurity.
The CBPP called these restrictions “misguided”, stating that they would:
- Create stigma for low-income families
- Complicate SNAP administration for states and retailers
- Fail to address the real issue—the high cost of healthy food
Critics also point out that low-income Americans often live in food deserts, where fresh, nutritious foods are either unavailable or unaffordable.
Brittany Christenson, CEO of AidKit, emphasized that “if policymakers seek to restrict SNAP purchases to only healthier options, then SNAP benefits should be increased to ensure families can afford nutritious foods.”
Impact
Food costs have risen 23.6% between 2020 and 2024, according to the USDA. A 2024 study by PlushCare found that unhealthy foods remain cheaper than healthier options across all 50 states.
Critics argue that limiting SNAP purchases would not fix the root problem, which is the price gap between healthy and unhealthy foods. Valerie Imbruce, director of the Center for Environment and Society at Washington College, said that federal subsidies for sugar and processed foods contribute to this price gap, making junk food more accessible than fresh produce.
Major food and beverage companies, including Coca-Cola, Pepsi, and Dr Pepper, have also pushed back against these proposals. The American Beverage Association stated that banning certain foods from SNAP would create a “two-tiered system,” where personal food choices are restricted based on income.
What’s Next?
The fate of SNAP benefits remains uncertain, as lawmakers debate budget cuts and purchase restrictions. If the proposed cuts and eligibility changes are implemented, millions of Americans could lose access to food assistance.
For now, SNAP recipients should stay informed about policy changes and contact their state agencies to ensure they continue receiving benefits.
As discussions continue, advocacy groups and policymakers will be working to protect food assistance for vulnerable communities across the country.
FAQs
Will SNAP benefits be cut in 2025?
The House budget plan includes major spending cuts, which could reduce SNAP benefits.
What is the average SNAP benefit for 2025?
SNAP recipients are expected to receive an average of $187 per month in 2025.
Are lawmakers trying to restrict what can be bought with SNAP?
Yes, several Republican-led bills aim to ban ‘junk’ food purchases with SNAP benefits.
How much has food prices increased in recent years?
US food prices rose by 23.6% from 2020 to 2024, making groceries more expensive.
Why do some oppose restricting SNAP purchases?
Critics argue it creates stigma, limits choice, and doesn’t address the cost of healthy food.
