A sign advertises SNAP and EBT acceptance at a retail store. More than 3.5 million people have lost access to food assistance since the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, as states implement new eligibility requirements and stricter application processes. Photo credit: PBS News Hour
Share
June 12, 2026
More than 3.5 million Americans have lost food assistance since Congress passed the One Big Beautiful Bill. Here is who is most affected, what the new rules require, and what students can do to understand the data in their own state.
Share
SNAP enrollment has fallen sharply nationwide since the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act last summer. More than 3.5 million people have lost access to the food assistance, as states implement new eligibility requirements and stricter application processes. William Brangham reports on what’s happening and speaks with Harvard professor of public health policy Sara Naomi Bleich for more.
View the transcript of the story.
NOTE: If you are short on time, watch the video and complete this See, Think, Wonder activity: What did you notice? What did the story make you think? What would you want to learn more about?
Take some time to take a closer look at what SNAP access looked like in your state before the passage of H.R. 1. Use this fact sheet published by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities to select your state and learn more. How many people benefited from SNAP? What was the average monthly benefit received? Which demographic groups were most likely to participate in the program?
Next, read this report by the Food Action and Research Center on how states may be affected by recent SNAP changes. What trends, projections or scenarios stand out to you? How do you feel after learning about the potential impacts on different communities?
If you feel strongly about this topic, civic engagement is one way to make your voice heard. Students can contact their Congressional and state representatives to ask questions, share their views or learn more about how elected officials are approaching SNAP policy. Use this site to look for your representatives and senators.
Explore our election resources to engage your students in learning about the election process and its significance at every level. Discover lessons on election fundamentals, laws, security, current events, youth involvement, and historic U.S. elections.
Republished with permission from PBS News Hour Classroom.
