The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced that all states must follow new SNAP work requirements by November 1. SNAP, which stands for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, helps low-income Americans buy groceries and these new rules will affect who can receive food benefits and for how long. So, if you are one of the beneficiaries, this will interest you.
Why this agriculture update matters
The USDA oversees many food and nutrition programs in the U.S., including SNAP. About 42 million Americans depend on SNAP benefits every month to help pay for food. While the federal government funds SNAP, each state is responsible for managing and distributing it.
That’s why when the U.S. Department of Agriculture changes the rules, every state must update its system to follow the new policy.
Earlier this year, Congress passed a law called the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), which changed the rules for able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) — that means adults who can work and don’t have children or anyone else depending on them.
What’s changing under the new SNAP rules
Under the previous system, able-bodied adults without dependents could receive SNAP benefits for only three months in a three-year period unless they worked or participated in job training.
However, there were several exceptions that allowed some people to receive benefits longer — and those are the rules that are now changing.
The USDA’s memo, sent to all states on October 3, explains that states must start applying the new rules by November 1. Here are the main changes:
- The age limit is now higher: Before, only people under 59 years old had to follow the work rules. Now, the limit has been raised to 65 years old, so more adults must meet the new work requirements.
- Fewer parents are excused: In the past, parents or guardians with children under 18 didn’t have to meet the work rules. Now, that only applies to those who care for children under 14.
- Some groups lost their exemptions: Homeless people, veterans, and young adults who left foster care are no longer automatically excused from the rules.
- Some people are still protected: Those who are pregnant or have a physical or mental condition that makes working impossible are still exempt.
- New rules for Native communities: The new law also adds special exceptions for some Native and tribal groups.
The debate around SNAP and agriculture policy
The administration of Donald Trump has supported stronger work requirements, arguing that they will reduce dependency on government aid and save taxpayer money. In an opinion piece published in The New York Times, several top officials, including Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, and Housing Secretary Scott Turner, wrote:
“Able-bodied adults receiving benefits must work, participate in job training, or volunteer at least 20 hours a week. Limited exceptions will be made for good reasons, like caring for young children or health issues. Those who can work, should work.”
However, Democrats, food experts, and advocacy groups argue that these changes could hurt millions of people who rely on SNAP to feed themselves and their families.
Concerns from experts
The Food Research and Action Center (FRAC) responded strongly to the USDA’s memo, warning that the new rules could have serious consequences for local economies and rural communities. The group said:
“SNAP is one of the most effective anti-poverty and pro-growth programs in the country. Every dollar in SNAP benefits creates up to $1.80 in local economic activity. Cuts to SNAP are cuts to local economies, especially in rural areas where small grocers, farmers, and local businesses depend on SNAP purchases to survive.”
According to FRAC, rural areas already have more poverty and hunger than the rest of the country — about one in seven rural families relies on SNAP to buy food. The group asked Congress and the government to cancel the new rules and give states more freedom to manage their programs. They said that food assistance shouldn’t be about politics — it’s about helping people meet their basic needs and survive.
The bigger picture in the U.S. agriculture and nutrition
This decision highlights how Agriculture policy affects millions of Americans, not just farmers. SNAP is a key part of the USDA’s mission to reduce hunger and support local food systems, but these new rules could make it harder for many to qualify for help. As the November 1 deadline approaches, states are racing to update their systems.
Meanwhile, the debate continues over whether stricter work rules will promote self-sufficiency or increase hunger among those most in need. Whether it helps people find jobs or creates more barriers to food access, only time — and the people affected — will tell.