General · Texas behavioral health news
Houston SNAP enrollment at lowest level recorded in at least 4 years, report shows - ABC13 Houston
Texas HHSC (Google News) · July 28, 2026
In plain language
SNAP enrollment in the Houston area has dropped to its lowest level in four years. Nearly 155,000 residents lost these food benefits over a single year, representing an 18% decline. This change is largely due to new rules that expanded work requirements for adults under age 65. Local food banks report they are struggling to fill the gap, as they cannot provide the same level of support as federal assistance programs.
AI-generated summary of the source article. Not medical advice.
Key takeaways
- Houston area SNAP enrollment dropped 18% between June 2023 and June 2024.
- New regulations require able-bodied adults under 65 without dependents to work or volunteer at least 80 hours monthly.
- The previous age limit for these specific work requirements was 55 years old.
- Local food banks are seeing a significant rise in requests for help, especially from people over age 50.
- Federal SNAP benefits provide nine times as many meals as charitable food banks can offer.
Houston SNAP enrollment at lowest level recorded in at least 4 years, report shows ABC13 Houston
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