The number of Americans receiving food stamps fell from 41.6 million in July 2025 to 36.5 million in June 2026, a drop of 13%, according to US Department of Agriculture figures reported by The Guardian.
The decline followed changes in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which extended work requirements to people aged 18 to 64 without a child under 14, and from October made states cover 75% of the programme's administrative costs. Arizona's enrolment halved over the period, while Kentucky's fell by 6%.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins has described moving millions off the scheme as a win for work. Food banks and anti-hunger groups say demand for help has surged, with a Michigan helpline forced to pause because of call volumes, and some schools have lost eligibility to serve free meals to all pupils.
Source: The Guardian
