Nearly three million New Yorkers could face deeper food insecurity under a federal proposal advancing through Congress. The legislation, championed by President Donald Trump and dubbed the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” includes sweeping changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)—threatening to slash benefits, impose strict new work requirements, and shift billions in costs to states.
According to a new report from State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, these proposed changes could cost New York between $1.4 billion and $2.2 billion annually, while severely reducing access to food assistance for low-income households.
Food insecurity rises sharply in New York post-pandemic
Between 2021 and 2023, 1 in 8 New York households experienced food insecurity, with nearly 1 million families lacking consistent access to enough food. More alarmingly, 365,000 households faced “very low food security,” meaning someone in the home repeatedly skipped meals or went hungry throughout the year.
New York was among just six states to see a statistically significant increase in very low food security over this period.
Pandemic-era relief fades as food prices surge
As pandemic relief programs expired, many of the safeguards that once cushioned low-income families have disappeared. Meanwhile, food costs have surged—up 23.5% since March 2020—while rent and other essentials have followed suit. In 2023, 17.6% of New Yorkers were living in poverty under the Supplemental Poverty Measure, up from 15.9% in 2019.
This economic pressure is driving more families to seek help. SNAP usage has grown steadily, reaching 1.75 million households statewide by March 2025.
New federal rules would restrict access and shrink benefits
The Trump-backed bill includes several significant policy shifts:
- State funding burden: States would be forced to contribute 5% to 25% of SNAP costs (currently federally funded), with New York facing up to $2 billion in new annual obligations.
- Administrative cost hikes: The federal share of admin costs would shrink from 50% to 25%, costing New York $266 million annually.
- Stricter eligibility: Benefits would be limited to citizens and lawful permanent residents, excluding other immigrant populations.
- Expanded work rules: Able-bodied adults ages 18–64 (up from 55) must work, study, or volunteer at least 80 hours/month. Parents with children as young as 7 (House version) or 14 (Senate version) would also be affected.
- Benefit reductions: The House bill prohibits revaluation of the USDA’s Thrifty Food Plan, capping future benefit increases below inflation—even as food prices rise.
State food programs face new strain
New York currently invests over $460 million annually in food security programs, including:
- Free school meals statewide regardless of income: $340 million
- Hunger Prevention and Nutrition Assistance Program (HPNAP): $57.8 million
- Nourish NY: $55 million connecting local farms to food banks
These state programs are now at risk of being overwhelmed, as DiNapoli warns that any additional strain could reduce access and effectiveness—especially if federal aid declines sharply.
What’s next for SNAP and food access in New York?
The House and Senate must reconcile their respective versions of the bill before it becomes law, but the path forward raises serious concerns for advocates and state officials. DiNapoli cautions that the legislation, if enacted, could reverse years of progress made in the fight against hunger—and shift the burden of federal cuts to already stretched state budgets and local food programs.
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