This program helps millions of Americans who don't have enough money to buy food. In 2023, about 42.1 million people, or 12.6% of the U.S. population, received help from SNAP.
Dig deeper: The SNAP Program: The Most Important Information You Need to Know
Why This Matters
SNAP is essential because it helps people who have a hard time affording food.
However, it costs a lot of money to run this program. In 2022, the government spent $119.4 billion on it.
Possible Changes Under Trump
Republicans, who are often concerned about the cost, have plans to reduce the amount of money the government spends on SNAP.
Here are some changes they are thinking about:
- Less Money for Food: The Republicans want to take back an increase in benefits that happened in 2021. This increase made it possible for people to get more money to spend on food. If this change happens, people will get less money for food in the future.
- Stricter Rules on Who Can Get Benefits: Right now, states can decide to give SNAP benefits to some people who might not usually qualify. The Republicans suggest stopping this. They think some people who are getting help might not really need it.
- Limiting Help Based on Family Size: The new plan might cap the amount of help a large family can get to the amount a family of six would receive. So, if a family is bigger than six people, they wouldn't get more help.
- Work More to Get Benefits: Adults who can work must do certain things, like working 80 hours a month, to get SNAP for more than three months in three years. Republicans want to increase the age limit for this rule from 54 to 56.
- No More 'Junk' Food: There is also a push to stop allowing SNAP benefits to buy unhealthy food like soft drinks and candy. Some lawmakers believe that if you're using government money, it shouldn't be spent on unhealthy items.
What People Are Saying
Some people support these changes because they believe it will encourage healthier eating and reduce government spending. Others worry these changes will make it harder for families to afford the food they need and oppose cuts to the program.
What's Next
These ideas from the Republicans will have to be approved by Congress before any changes happen. There might be strong opposition, especially from Democrats, so it's not certain if or when these changes will take effect.
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