Map of States Where SNAP Enrollment Plunging Fastest Amid 500K Monthly Drop
SNAP participation has dropped by more than 5 million since July 2025.
In May 2026, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) counted 36.6 million participants, a decline from the previous April's 37.07 million. Since May 2025, when 42.3 million people were enrolled, about 5.7 million have lost their benefits, a 5.5 million-person drop compared to July 2025. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, the largest food assistance initiative in the country, aids low- and no-income households with grocery expenses.
The ongoing reduction in enrollment is attributed to the introduction of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) in July 2025, which tightened eligibility rules and expanded work requirements. Other factors, such as the Trump administration's anti-fraud efforts, anti-fraud efforts, and administrative issues, also contribute to the decline.
In the 50 states, 49 recorded fewer participants in May 2026 than in July 2025, with Arizona experiencing the most significant proportional decline at 53.6 percent, from 882,419 to 409,584 participants. Georgia saw a 37.3 percent drop, while Nevada and Louisiana recorded a decline of over 21 percent each. Alaska was the only state to see an increase, with participation rising from 67,168 to 69,502, a 3.5 percent growth.
Factors such as fraud enforcement, improved household finances, and the removal of ineligible individuals have been cited as reasons for the decline.
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