Millions of Texas residents may see reduced food assistance under a proposed federal spending bill that aims to cut funding to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by approximately $186 billion.
The proposal, included in the Senate’s budget reconciliation bill, would shift part of the program’s financial responsibility from the federal government to individual states. If passed, the bill could impact over three million Texans who currently receive SNAP benefits.
Under the plan, Texas would be required to absorb a greater share of SNAP administrative costs and food benefit payments. State officials may need to adjust budgets or reduce benefits to comply with the funding changes.
The bill introduces stricter work requirements for recipients and eliminates some nutrition education programs. It also proposes changes to how SNAP benefits are calculated, which could further reduce assistance for many low-income families.
Nutrition education programs, which currently help recipients make healthy food choices and manage limited budgets, would be eliminated under the bill. Health advocates warn this could lead to negative long-term public health consequences.
The bill is currently under review in Congress. Lawmakers continue to debate its potential effects, with advocacy groups urging the preservation of key food assistance programs.
