Americans Lose Food Stamp Benefits in a Month: New Data
Over 600,000 Americans Lose Food Stamp Benefits in a Month: New Data
WASHINGTON, D.C. – More than 600,000 people in the United States lost access to SNAP, commonly known as food stamps, in just one month, according to newly released government data.
The latest figures from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) show that participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has dropped sharply over the past year.
Nearly 5 Million People Removed From SNAP in 13 Months
According to USDA statistics, approximately 42.8 million people received SNAP benefits in January 2025. By February 2026, that number had fallen to around 37.8 million.
This means nearly 5 million people — about 11 percent of total beneficiaries — lost access to the program within just 13 months.
Data also shows that between January and February 2026 alone, the SNAP program removed nearly 668,000 Americans.
SNAP Enrollment Falls in New York
Government statistics also revealed a decline in SNAP recipients in New York State.
In January 2026, around 2.81 million people in New York received food stamp benefits. By February, that number dropped to approximately 2.79 million — a decrease of nearly 22,700 recipients in a single month.
Stricter Eligibility Rules Behind the Decline
Analysts point to stricter eligibility requirements introduced under a new law implemented last year as one of the main reasons for the sharp decline.
The updated rules now require many able-bodied adults up to age 64 to work or take part in job training programs to keep receiving benefits.
The changes also extend to groups that previously held exemptions, including some veterans, homeless individuals, and former foster care youth, bringing them under the new, stricter requirements.
Paperwork and Deadlines Also Causing Benefit Loss
Experts note that many recipients are losing benefits not only because of income limits, but also due to administrative issues.
Missing paperwork deadlines, failing to complete recertification on time, or not meeting the new work-related conditions have all contributed to people losing SNAP assistance.
USDA Says Changes Aim to Reduce Dependency and Fraud
The administration says the changes aim to reduce long-term dependence on government aid and prevent fraud and waste within the system.
USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins said the new law would help reduce inefficiencies in the SNAP system and improve accountability among states.
Rollins said the reforms aim to encourage employment-based participation and ensure more effective use of taxpayer money.
Arizona and Georgia See Largest Drops
The impact of the policy changes has varied across states.
Arizona recorded one of the largest percentage declines, with SNAP participation falling by nearly 12 percent in just one month.
Georgia experienced the largest drop in total numbers, with more than 137,000 people removed from the program during the same period.
Thousands more beneficiaries also lost SNAP assistance in states including Texas, Florida, Pennsylvania, and California.
Meanwhile, a small number of states — including Alaska, Idaho, and West Virginia — reported slight increases in SNAP enrollment.
