General · Texas behavioral health news
500,000 fewer Texans are on SNAP as participation slips nationally
Texas Tribune – Health · By By Terri Langford, DATA REPORTING BY Dan Keemahill · May 20, 2026
In plain language
The number of Texans receiving food assistance through the SNAP program has dropped by 500,000 people over the past year. Experts believe this decline is due to stricter work requirements for parents and adults, as well as fears within immigrant communities about sharing personal information. While state officials describe these changes as normal fluctuations, local food bank leaders report more families are now turning to them for help because they no longer qualify for state benefits.
AI-generated summary of the source article. Not medical advice.
Key takeaways
- Texas SNAP enrollment dropped by 14% over the last year, leaving 3.1 million people in the program.
- New federal rules require parents of children aged 14 and older to work at least 30 hours a week.
- Stricter work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents can now end benefits after three months.
- Advocates say some eligible families are avoiding SNAP due to concerns that their data could be shared for immigration enforcement.
- Lawful residents entering under asylum or refugee status are increasingly restricted from participating in the program.
- Texas faces potential federal penalties if it does not improve the accuracy of its benefit processing by 2027.
The Brookshire Brothers Express grocery store and gas station in Pineland on Jan. 29, 2026. " data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.texastribune.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/20260129-Pineland-MC-06.jpg?fit=780%2C520&quality=89&ssl=1" /> Advocates say the federal government’s new work requirements and immigration crackdown has limited food stamp participation. The state says the recent decline is part of normal fluctuations in enrollment. The post 500,000 fewer Texans are on SNAP as participation slips nationally appeared first on The Texas Tribune.
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