On December 1, 2025, new work requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) were implemented, following policy changes initiated by President Donald Trump. The revised regulations now mandate that able-bodied adults aged 18 to 64 without dependents must complete at least 80 hours of work, training, or volunteering each month to qualify for benefits, an increase from the previous requirement of 54 hours.

These changes have sparked significant concern among individuals reliant on SNAP for food security. Critics argue that the new stipulations may disproportionately affect those who are already struggling to meet basic needs. Participation in SNAP has surged over the past two decades, rising from 17.2 million monthly participants in 2000 to 41.7 million in 2024. This increase has led to a dramatic rise in annual spending, which escalated from $28.5 billion to nearly $100 billion, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

In addition to the new work requirements, there have been ongoing discussions about the financial integrity of the program. Reports indicate that approximately $10.5 billion was fraudulently disbursed in 2023, raising questions about the management of SNAP funds. Furthermore, data from 2016 revealed that households allocated 20.5% of their benefits to sugary snacks and prepared desserts, prompting debates about the nutritional value of purchases made with SNAP benefits.

A legal dispute arose when the administration opted not to cover the total monthly cost of SNAP, estimated between $8.5 to $9 billion. The Supreme Court ruled on November 8 that the administration was justified in withholding SNAP funding during a 43-day government shutdown, which marked the longest shutdown in U.S. history. As the political landscape evolves, these changes to SNAP are likely to remain a contentious issue, particularly as midterm elections approach, highlighting the ongoing debate over the balance between social support and personal responsibility.