SNAP is back, but new federal rules mean an estimated 25,000 Arkansans may lose their food benefits, Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families policy director Christin Harper told Axios.
Why it matters: The changes will likely hit Arkansas worse than most other states because it already has the highest rate of food insecurity in the nation, Harper said.
State of play: A piece of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act is set to go into effect Dec. 1. It will eliminate some of the exceptions to work requirements for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients, including for young adults who have aged out of foster care, veterans and unhoused people. Those who previously did not have to meet the typical 80-hours-per-month work requirement will have three months to meet it or lose their benefits, Harper explained.
- The legislation also removes some documented immigrants from being eligible, including refugees and asylees.
The big picture: More changes are coming over the next few years. Starting in October 2026, states will be responsible for 75% of the program’s administrative costs, up from 50%. That will likely cost Arkansas an additional $23 million a year, Harper said.
- Later, states may also have to pay up to 15% of SNAP benefits.
- All benefits in Arkansas are federally funded, and the state receives about $41 million a month for SNAP, Arkansas Department of Human Services spokesperson Gavin Lesnick told Axios.
What they’re saying: “SNAP is the most powerful anti-hunger tool we have,” Harper said.
- These additional costs on states have advocates concerned that higher eligibility standards will result in fewer benefits or cutting SNAP altogether.
- Losing SNAP dollars can have a broader impact on the economy and can even raise grocery prices for everyone, Harper said. About 2,700 retailers in Arkansas accept SNAP, and grocery stores in rural areas depend on that money to stay open and pay employees.
Catch up quick: November SNAP benefits were delayed because of the federal government shutdown. All delayed Arkansas benefits were issued after the government reopened, Lesnick confirmed to Axios…