It’s been a wild ride for anyone trying to keep track of their grocery budget lately. Honestly, if you're feeling a bit whiplashed by the headlines regarding food stamps, you’re not alone. The big question—is Trump going to fund SNAP—has a complicated, multi-layered answer that depends entirely on who you are and where you live.
We aren't just talking about a simple "yes" or "no" here. We’re talking about the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 (OBBBA), a massive piece of legislation signed on July 4, 2025, that fundamentally restructured how the federal government handles the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
The Short Version: Funding is Shifting, Not Vanishing
To be blunt: Yes, the program still exists. But the "funding" part is getting a makeover that’s putting a lot of pressure on state capitals. Under the new law, the federal government is basically telling states, "We’ll help, but you’ve gotta start picking up more of the tab."
For decades, the feds split administrative costs 50/50 with the states. That’s changing. Starting in fiscal year 2027, the federal share of those costs is slated to drop to 25%, leaving states to scramble for the other 75%. If your state's budget is already tight, this is a massive deal. It’s a shift from a federally-guaranteed safety net to a "state-led" model where your local government has more power—and more bills to pay.
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act and Your Grocery Cart
If you’ve walked into a grocery store in Texas, Florida, or Utah recently, you might have noticed something weird at the register. Your EBT card might not be working for that 2-liter bottle of soda or that bag of gummy worms.
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This is part of the Trump administration's "MAHA" (Make America Healthy Again) push. The USDA has been handing out Food Restriction Waivers like candy—ironic, since candy is exactly what they’re trying to restrict.
- Florida: Restrictions on soda and energy drinks took effect in April 2026.
- Texas: As of April 1, 2026, you can't buy sweetened drinks or candy with SNAP.
- Iowa and Arkansas: Similar bans on "non-nutritious" items are rolling out through mid-2026.
Basically, the administration is still "funding" the program, but they are narrowing the definition of what "food" actually is. They want taxpayer dollars going toward "nutritious options" rather than what they call "ultra-processed foods" (UPFs).
New Work Requirements: The 2026 Reality Check
This is where the funding question gets "kinda" scary for a lot of people. The OBBBA didn't just change the money; it changed the rules of who gets to stay in the program.
For a long time, if you were an "Able-Bodied Adult Without Dependents" (ABAWD), you were off the hook for work requirements once you hit 55. Not anymore. The age cap was bumped to 64.
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But it’s even more specific than that. Look at these changes:
- Parents of older kids: If your youngest is 14 or older, you’re no longer exempt. You’ve gotta meet the 80-hour-a-month work, volunteer, or training requirement.
- Veterans and Homeless Individuals: Previously, these groups had special protections. The 2025 law removed those categorical exemptions.
- The 3-Month Clock: In states like Illinois, notices went out that if you don't meet these requirements by May 1, 2026, you lose your benefits entirely.
The logic from the administration is that work requirements "give new life to start-ups" and encourage "self-sufficiency." Critics, like the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC), argue this is just a way to cut the program's cost by $10 billion to $15 billion a year by pricing people out through paperwork and hurdles.
What Happened During the Shutdown?
You might remember the chaos back in November 2025. There was a government shutdown, and the USDA basically said, "Sorry, we’re out of money for SNAP."
It took a federal judge in Rhode Island to step in. The administration initially tried to only provide partial payments (about 50% to 65% of the normal amount), arguing that Congress hadn't appropriated the funds. The courts eventually forced the full funding for that month, but it proved that the "funding" is not always a guarantee. It can be used as a political poker chip.
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Who is Losing Eligibility Entirely?
If you're wondering where the "cuts" are actually happening, look at the non-citizen requirements. Starting in early 2026, SNAP eligibility was tightened to only include lawful permanent residents who have been in the U.S. for at least five years.
This effectively ended benefits for:
- Refugees
- Asylum seekers
- Recent green card holders
The State "Error Rate" Penalty
Here’s a detail nobody is talking about: the Quality Control Incentive.
Starting in 2028, but based on data collected right now in 2026, states will have to pay for a portion of the actual benefits (the food money) if their "error rate" is too high.
If a state is "overpaying" or making too many mistakes on applications, the federal government will charge them up to 15% of the total benefit cost. It's a way to force states to be much more aggressive—some say "stingy"—with who they approve for help.
Actionable Steps for SNAP Recipients in 2026
If you are currently receiving benefits or planning to apply, the landscape has changed. You can't just assume the old rules apply. Here is what you need to do right now:
- Check your age and dependency status: If you are between 55 and 64, or if your youngest child just turned 14, you are likely now subject to 80 hours of work or volunteering per month. Don't wait for a "cutoff" notice to start documenting your hours.
- Audit your grocery list: If you live in one of the 18+ states with a Food Restriction Waiver (like Texas, Florida, or Utah), check the USDA's "Healthy SNAP" list. Your EBT card will likely decline at the register for soda, energy drinks, and candy.
- Watch the "3-month" rule: If you aren't meeting work requirements, you generally only get 3 months of benefits in a 3-year period. In many states, that 3-month window for 2026 ends in May.
- Update your address: Because states are now under intense pressure to reduce "error rates," they are being much more aggressive about "eligibility checks." If you miss a piece of mail asking for verification, they will likely terminate your case immediately to avoid a federal penalty.
- Look for State-Level Supplements: Because the federal government is shifting costs, some states (like Illinois or California) are attempting to create their own "state-funded" food programs to fill the gaps left by the OBBBA. Check your local Department of Human Services website for "state-only" nutrition assistance.
The reality of SNAP in 2026 is that the program is being "funded," but it’s being narrowed, policed, and shifted onto the shoulders of state governors. It’s no longer a "set it and forget it" benefit. You have to be proactive to keep your seat at the table.