An estimated 160,000 to 196,000 Massachusetts residents have lost Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits since mid-to-late 2025, driven largely by new federal eligibility rules and administrative challenges at the state level.
State data and advocacy organizations show SNAP participation has dropped by roughly 15 to 17 percent. MassLive reported about 160,000 fewer residents, including nearly 60,000 children, since the new rules took effect. Project Bread has estimated nearly 196,000 people, including about 70,000 children, lost benefits following the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act in July 2025. USDA figures showed a decline of approximately 183,800 recipients between July 2025 and July 2026.
Local impacts have been significant. Boston lost about 25,500 residents from the program, while New Bedford and Fall River together saw nearly 12,000 people removed…