New SNAP Work Requirements Threaten Food Access for Millions Starting February 1, 2026

Starting February 1, 2026, new SNAP work requirements will go into effect across the United States, putting millions at risk of losing their food benefits. The changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as food stamps, will require adults aged 18 to 64 to work, volunteer, or attend job training at least 80 hours per month to keep their EBT benefits.

This policy, part of the "One Big Beautiful Bill" passed by Congress, introduces mandatory work compliance for SNAP recipients unless they have dependents under age 14.

What Changes on February 1, 2026?

• Adults ages 18–64 must work, volunteer, or train 80 hours per month

• Failure to comply for three months in a 36-month period results in benefit loss

• Exemptions include adults with dependents under 14, or those medically unfit for work

• SNAP benefits may be cut or reduced in several states starting this week

• Policy will impact both new applicants and existing recipients

According to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), these new SNAP work requirements could result in over 1 million Americans losing access to SNAP by the end of 2026. States like Illinois, Texas, Florida, and Oklahoma are preparing for large-scale eligibility reviews.

Local Food Banks Brace for a Surge

The Heritage Foundation USA has seen a growing number of local food pantries and food banks report a surge in demand in anticipation of these changes.

In Chicago, food pantry leaders say they expect an influx of EBT-eligible families who no longer qualify under the new guidelines. In states like Louisiana and Indiana, families are already navigating benefit confusion due to conflicting eligibility letters and administrative backlogs.

Food insecurity will rise. You can help.

Your donation supports emergency food distributions across affected areas.

Who’s Most At Risk?

According to the latest data:

• 18.3 million households were food insecure in 2024

• Nearly 1 in 7 households lacked consistent access to food

• Children in food-insecure households: 9.1%

• Black and Hispanic households continue to face higher food insecurity

• Rural and suburban communities are now seeing SNAP cuts for the first time

• Food banks in Los Angeles and El Paso are reporting wait times and shortages

Many low-income adults already face significant barriers to steady employment, including disability, transportation issues, and unstable housing. The new rules do not account for regional job availability or care responsibilities.

What’s Behind the Policy?

The USDA, under mandates from Congress, is enforcing new eligibility checks to reduce what it calls "long-term dependency" on SNAP. Supporters of the law claim it will encourage workforce participation. Critics argue it punishes the working poor and could lead to hunger spikes, especially in states that don’t offer waivers or flexible exemptions.

The changes are expected to save the federal government billions..but at what human cost?

The Bottom Line

Starting February 1, new SNAP work requirements threaten food access for millions of Americans, especially those already on the margins. With fewer waivers and more states enforcing strict rules, food insecurity is expected to increase, particularly among adults without children.

EBT cards will stop working for many next month.

Food banks are overwhelmed.

And families who rely on food stamps will suffer the consequences of policy that favors cuts over care.

Your action today helps preserve access to food, and dignity.