US SNAP participation hits lowest level since 2009

The number of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) beneficiaries in the United States fell to 36,087,667 people across 19,636,409 households in July 2026. According to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), this represents the lowest monthly participation level in 17 years, dating back to July 2009.

This figure marks a 13.3% decrease compared to July 2025, when there were 41,603,048 beneficiaries. The decline has been continuous since March 2025. In July 2026, the average monthly benefit was $187.56 per person and $344.70 per household, with total benefits distributed amounting to approximately $6.77 billion.

Significant declines were observed across several states. Arizona saw the largest drop at 50.8%, while Florida and Texas recorded decreases of 22.1% and 19.8%, respectively. Other notable reductions occurred in Illinois (21.6%), Georgia (10.6%), New York (9.3%), and California (6.5%). Alaska was the only state to report an increase of 3.5%.

The USDA has not specified the causes for this downward trend. Additionally, the figures for June and July 2026 are preliminary and subject to revision.