The SNAP state cost-shift policy leaves the program’s existence to chance

Posted by The Hamilton Project on September 8, 2026

A new paper from the Hamilton Project looks at the potential impact from new federal guidelines requiring states to pay for portions of the SNAP program. “The state cost shift will likely lead some states to exit SNAP altogether while other states will restrict eligibility, cut benefits, or make it harder for eligible residents to enroll in SNAP. Because of balanced budget laws, declining revenue, and other factors, this policy also makes it more likely that states will restrict access or drop out of the program when an economic downturn occurs and need increases, leaving Americans without adequate food assistance, sharply increasing poverty and hardship, and deepening the downturn.”

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