SNAP funding cuts threaten US school meal programs

Federal changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are expected to impact school meal accessibility for millions of children across the United States. Following the enactment of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which introduced new work requirements and limited non-citizen enrollment, SNAP funding is projected to decrease by approximately $186 billion over the next decade.

In Louisiana, SNAP enrollment has already seen a significant decline, dropping roughly 21% from over 800,000 residents in May 2025 to approximately 631,000 by July. This reduction poses a direct threat to school nutrition because children in SNAP-enrolled households automatically qualify for free school meals. Furthermore, many schools utilize the Community Eligibility Program, which receives federal funding tied to SNAP participation rates; therefore, declining enrollment can jeopardize meal funding for entire districts.

Advocacy groups, including the School Nutrition Association and the Food Research & Action Center, have expressed concern that these cuts will increase hunger both at home and in the classroom, potentially harming student health and academic performance. Analysts note that increased administrative paperwork has also complicated the enrollment process for eligible families.