Trump’s SNAP Overhaul Leaves More Than 1 Million Children Without Food Support
Over a million children in the United States have lost eligibility for food assistance benefits as a result of changes to the nation’s largest food support program, prompting child protection advocates to raise concerns about the effects of increased food insecurity on children’s health, development and wellbeing.
The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP) conducted a new analysis that revealed that the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, passed during President Donald Trump’s administration, resulted in the removal of more than four million Americans from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as food stamps, between July 2025 and March 2026.
The law set new qualifications and placed new obligations on the state to manage SNAP, resulting in a dramatic drop in participation in some states.
Children have been the most impacted. The CBPP analysis found that over a million children in 19 states lost SNAP benefits, a program that helps low-income families put food on the table.
States such as Arizona, Louisiana, Massachusetts, and Texas had some of the biggest decreases in SNAP participation among children. In Louisiana, almost 25% of children who were previously on SNAP lost benefits.Almost a quarter of children who were on SNAP benefits before the change were no longer on SNAP in Louisiana.
Child protection professionals are concerned that the loss of reliable food assistance may add to the strain on families already struggling with financial hardship. Children’s physical growth, emotional well-being, school performance and long-term development can be impacted by food insecurity.
More children may find it harder to get access to nutritious meals that are essential for healthy development if lawmakers don’t take action, the CBPP said.
The changes have been criticized by child welfare advocates and community leaders who say that fighting child hunger should be a top priority, regardless of political differences.
The US Conference of Mayors have also urged lawmakers to rethink the SNAP cuts, noting that food assistance is an essential lifeline for low-income families.
The food access of millions of children is not just about nutrition. It is essential to child protection, and provides children with the opportunity to grow, learn and thrive in safe and supportive environments.
