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USDA Cuts SNAP Benefits by 5-10% for 40% of Households, Protects Families with Children, Seniors, and EFA Recipients

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  Published in Politics and Government on Sunday, November 16th 2025 at 5:40 GMT by KSTP-TV

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Government Announces Revised SNAP Benefit Cuts – A Closer Look at the New Details

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has updated its previously announced cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), announcing that the reductions will be less severe than first projected for a large segment of eligible families. The move, which follows bipartisan pressure and concerns about food insecurity, is designed to preserve the core benefits for families most in need while still achieving the Treasury’s broader fiscal objectives.

1. The Original Announcement and the Revised Plan

When the USDA first announced that it would trim SNAP benefits as part of a broader effort to reduce federal spending, the headline numbers were stark: a 15‑percent cut in benefits for nearly 12 million households, with a potential loss of roughly $4.2 billion in annual benefit payments. The policy was framed as a way to streamline the program and curb perceived “over‑payments.”

However, shortly thereafter, USDA officials clarified that the full extent of the cuts would be applied only to a subset of households, particularly those who qualify for the higher benefit levels under the “Family Planning” formula. Families with children, seniors, and households receiving the “Emergency Food Assistance” (EFA) payments would see no reduction at all.

Under the new guidance, roughly 60 % of SNAP households will keep their current benefit amounts, while the remaining 40 % will receive a moderate cut—ranging from 5 % to 10 % depending on household size and income level. This is a marked reduction from the original 15 % figure. The USDA has stated that this revised approach will still save the federal budget about $2.1 billion each year while protecting the most vulnerable recipients.

2. How the USDA Rationale Breaks Down

The Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) released a policy brief explaining the logic behind the recalibration. The brief, available on the USDA website, notes that the earlier announcement did not fully account for the complexity of the benefit calculation formulas or the impact on families who rely on SNAP as their sole source of nutrition.

Key points from the brief include:

• Benefit Calculation Complexity: SNAP benefits are determined by the Thrifty Food Plan, which takes into account household size, food prices, and income. The initial 15 % cut would have disproportionately affected households with very low incomes, potentially pushing them below the poverty line.
• Historical Context: The USDA pointed out that during the COVID‑19 pandemic, SNAP benefits were increased by up to 30 % in a short span. A sudden 15 % cut would be a stark reversal, likely causing public backlash.
• State Flexibility: The USDA clarified that states retain a level of discretion in how they administer the benefit reductions. States that run higher deficits may apply a slightly greater cut to meet fiscal goals, while others can choose to maintain the current levels.

The brief also cited data from the USDA’s 2024 “Food Access and Food Assistance Survey,” which found that 82 % of SNAP recipients used the benefit to purchase a majority of their groceries, and that a 15 % cut could increase food insecurity by up to 9 % in certain counties.

3. Legislative and Political Responses

The revised plan has been met with mixed reactions in Congress. The House Agriculture Committee released a statement urging the USDA to further soften the cuts, arguing that even a 5‑10 % reduction could strain families already battling inflation. Meanwhile, the Senate Budget Committee has praised the USDA for maintaining the core benefits and called for a bipartisan effort to fund supplemental programs, such as the “College Food Voucher” program that helps college students.

The USDA’s announcement also referenced an upcoming joint hearing with the House Ways and Means Committee to discuss the broader impact on the federal food safety net. The hearing is scheduled for next month and will involve testimonies from food bank leaders, nutritionists, and advocacy groups like the Food Research & Action Center.

4. Impact on Food Banks and Community Programs

Food banks across the country have taken a cautious approach to the new cuts. According to a report from the Food Bank Alliance, “The changes will alter the timing of some community distribution events, but the net effect on food availability will be minimal.” The Alliance’s spokesperson noted that the revised policy still preserves a critical safety net for the “most vulnerable” families, ensuring that the majority of households can continue to purchase nutritious food.

The Alliance also highlighted that local food banks will see an uptick in demand from households experiencing benefit cuts, prompting some to seek additional funding from private donors and state grants. “We’re working on securing supplemental funds,” said one director in a Midwest food bank, “but the reality is that many families will now need to stretch each dollar even further.”

5. Broader Context: SNAP in 2025 and Beyond

The USDA’s revised cut is part of a broader set of policy changes slated for 2025, including an overhaul of the “EFA” rules and the potential introduction of a “Benefit Rebate” system. This system would allow households to receive a rebate on a portion of their benefit if they purchase fresh produce or other nutritious items from approved vendors—a pilot program currently underway in Oregon.

The USDA’s policy brief also referenced the “Nutrition Incentive” program, which will be expanded in 2026. The program is designed to provide additional incentives for purchasing healthy foods, especially in low‑income areas where fresh produce is scarce. This initiative is expected to offset some of the negative impacts of the benefit reductions, according to the USDA’s estimates.

Key Takeaways

• Benefit Cuts Reduced: The USDA’s final plan reduces SNAP benefit cuts to 5‑10 % for about 40 % of households, with no cut for families with children, seniors, or those receiving EFA.
• Fiscal Savings Still Realized: The program still projects savings of roughly $2.1 billion annually.
• Legislative Scrutiny: Congress remains divided; the USDA is preparing for a joint hearing to discuss the broader implications.
• Community Impact: Food banks anticipate increased demand, but overall food availability is expected to remain stable.
• Future Adjustments: Additional programs, such as the Nutrition Incentive and Benefit Rebate, are being developed to mitigate any negative impacts of the cuts.

In the end, while the USDA’s updated policy may still feel restrictive for some families, the changes represent a more measured approach that aims to balance fiscal responsibility with the core mission of SNAP—to keep families fed during a period of high inflation and economic uncertainty.