Millions to Lose SNAP Benefits: How It Could Impact the Job Market
SNAP participation has fallen by more than 5 million people since July of last year.
Millions of Americans are set to lose their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits as new federal requirements come into effect, potentially impacting the already struggling job market. Since July of last year, when Republicans tightened eligibility and added work requirements, SNAP participation has dropped by more than 5 million people, or roughly 13 percent.
HR consultant Bryan Driscoll warns that "you can't starve people into economic prosperity" and that finding work requires factors beyond just a job, such as transportation, childcare, and internet access. Experts argue that the new requirements could create obstacles for people already facing unstable employment and basic needs, as well as consequences for businesses.
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed by President Trump, expanded work requirements for certain adults and shifted administrative costs to states, leading to an estimated 5 million Americans losing benefits since its enactment. While the administration claims the changes strengthen SNAP, experts argue that the added costs to states create a crisis with fewer local funds.
Without SNAP benefits to help cover food expenses, job seekers may face even greater challenges in managing costs associated with job searching, such as transportation, internet access, and childcare.
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