SNAP Changes Linked to 776,000 Fewer Children Receiving Benefits
7 reported1 unconfirmed1 conflicting
A ProPublica analysis has found that at least 776,000 children have stopped receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits following changes signed into law under President Donald Trump. The analysis examined 12 states that break down program participation by age, finding that of 1,670,011 people who lost benefits in those states, 46% were children. The nonpartisan Center on Budget and Policy Priorities reached a similar conclusion, reporting 700,000 fewer children receiving food assistance. Arizona saw the largest percentage decline, with 205,223 children losing benefits since July 2025, a 55% drop. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has not detailed the impact on children, but initial figures show 4.3 million fewer people received SNAP nationwide in February 2026 compared to February 2025. Experts cited increased paperwork requirements and state cost shifts as possible reasons for the declines. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins disputed the 700,000 figure, stating most people removed from SNAP were “fraudulent.”
What’s reported
At least 776,000 children have stopped receiving SNAP benefits, according to a ProPublica analysis of 12 states.
The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities found 700,000 fewer children receiving food assistance.
Arizona saw a 55% drop in child SNAP participation, with 205,223 children losing benefits since July 2025.
Nationwide, 4.3 million fewer people received SNAP in February 2026 compared to February 2025, leaving 37.8 million participants.
States will begin covering 75% of SNAP administrative costs in October 2026, up from 50%.
In Massachusetts, the share of SNAP applicants unable to reach a worker on an assistance line rose from 61% in November to nearly 81% in March.
St. Mary’s Food Bank in Arizona reported a 15% increase in need this year, translating to 300,000 more visits.
Conflicting accounts
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins stated the 700,000 figure for children is “not correct,” contending most people removed from SNAP were “fraudulent.” ProPublica independently verified the figures reported by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.
Open questions
The USDA has not detailed the impact on children aided by the program. It is unclear how many children have lost benefits in states that do not break down participation by age.
Key figures
Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA), chair of the House Agriculture Committee
Rep. John Rose (R-TN)
Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-SD)
Katie Bergh, senior policy analyst at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA)
Brooke Rollins, Secretary of Agriculture
Parke Wilde, food economist at Tufts University
Mariana Chilton, expert in child hunger at University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Milt Liu, CEO of St. Mary’s Food Bank
Ana Alvarez, single mother of five who lost SNAP benefits
Sources: propublica.org
