The number of Texans receiving food stamps has hit a 17-year low, with 2.8 million enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in September.
The news that SNAP enrollment has plummeted to a 17-year low in Texas hits me like a punch to the gut. With 2.8 million Texans now relying on food stamps, it's clear we've reached a new milestone - one I'd rather not have seen. Nationally, the trend is just as bleak: SNAP enrollment is at an all-time low, and it's hard to ignore the implications of this shift.
“The declines aren’t the result of people leaving the program because they no longer need it, or because they found work,” — Celia Cole
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act Takes Its Toll
- Experts believe the drop stems from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act passed by Congress last year that requires more people to work to remain eligible and penalizes states for high error rates of overpaying or underpaying recipients.
- Compared to September 2025, Texas’ SNAP enrollment dropped 20.8%.
The state's processing rate has also declined significantly. In September, the state processed 64% of SNAP applications in a timely manner — within 30 days. This is lower than last September when the timeliness rate was 91%. According to federal guidelines, states are required to process at least 95% of applications in a timely manner or risk losing federal funding.
Enrollment Hits Record Low Among Texas Children Under 5
- Children, who make up the majority of SNAP recipients at 1.4 million, have been hit the hardest.
- The number of children under the age of 5 enrolled in SNAP has never been this low in more than 20 years.
Texas Lawful Migrants Suffer as SNAP Enrollment Hits Record Low
I've been thinking about the people who are losing out on SNAP benefits, and it's not just the ones who were already struggling. Lawful migrants who have been living and working in Texas for years are no longer eligible under OBBBA because of changes to the program's rules.
These families were counting on SNAP benefits to get by, and now they're being left behind. Many of these individuals are working multiple jobs just to make ends meet. They're not lazy or looking for a handout; they're simply trying to provide for their families in a state where the cost of living is already high.
By cutting them off from SNAP benefits, we're essentially saying that their hard work isn't enough. It's also worth noting that many Texans are still struggling to access food and healthcare benefits due to the backlog of unreviewed applications at the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.
Texas SNAP Enrollment Hits Historic 17-Year Low Point
The next development will indeed be closely watched, as lawmakers consider changes to OBBBA. Some experts believe that revising the law could help alleviate the negative impact on vulnerable populations. However, others argue that the law is necessary to crack down on waste and abuse in the program.
It's a complex issue, but one thing is clear: we need to do better by these families. As Texans, we have a responsibility to ensure that everyone has access to the support they need to thrive. That means finding ways to increase enrollment numbers and provide alternative forms of assistance for those who are falling through the cracks.
Individuals and families qualify for SNAP if their income falls below a certain threshold. For example, a family of four qualifies if they make $4,421 or less per month. Enrollees typically stay on the program for about a year, on average.
- Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), lawful migrants who have been living and working in Texas for years are no longer eligible for SNAP because of changes to the program's rules.
The next development will be closely watched as we see how this trend continues. Will Texas find a way to increase enrollment numbers or will we continue to see a decline? Only time will tell.
