Where SNAP participation has fallen the most

[Viable Food News Desk]

Publisher: Grocery Dive
Published: August 17, 2026
Source: Read at Grocery Dive
Category: Food Access

SNAP participation fell nearly 13% year over year in April, to just over 37 million people, according to USDA data. Every state except Alaska recorded a decline, and half the states saw drops of 10% or more. Arizona had the largest decrease, with participation dropping by more than half. Florida and Louisiana each recorded declines of over 20%, while Georgia's participation fell nearly 28%. The decline followed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which established stricter work requirements that the Congressional Budget Office expects to reduce SNAP participation by roughly 2.4 million people in an average month over roughly the next decade.

Why this matters: Fewer SNAP participants can mean fewer customers using food benefits at stores serving affected communities. Independent grocers and food-access staff may need to track local enrollment changes when planning sales and outreach.

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