The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is America's primary defense against hunger, providing food assistance to nearly 37 million people. The program provides essential support to millions of seniors, people with disabilities, and working Americans who struggle to afford groceries.
In July 2025, Congress enacted the largest cuts to SNAP in the program’s history. SNAP participation has since fallen sharply in nearly every congressional district. Enrollment in the average district fell from an estimated 94,900 people in July 2025 to 83,700 by May 2026, a 12% decline.
In the average congressional district, the average household receives $347 a month – less than $12 a day – to buy food. The average district received $205 million in SNAP benefits over the 12 months ending May 2026.
SNAP is a program for working families, seniors, people with disabilities, and children. In the average district:
● 81% of families in SNAP have at least one working adult,
● 49% of SNAP households include someone with a disability,
● 44% of SNAP households include children under the age of 18, and
● 41 of SNAP households have incomes below the poverty line.
Estimates were published on September 4, 2026.
