> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.investigatemidwest.org/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Spending on federal food assistance is trending down — and expected to continue - URL: https://www.investigatemidwest.org/spending-on-federal-food-assistance-is-trending-down-and-expected-to-continue/ - Published: 2026-10-21T15:13:58.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-21T15:13:58.000Z - Description: SNAP and other programs, such as WIC, are frequent targets for cuts, and the new way the federal government calculates SNAP funding will mean fewer federal dollars. - Author: Sky Chadde, Investigate Midwest - Tags: Data Harvest, TP::Explainer, SNAP, SNAP cuts, snap program, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program During the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government increased its spending on federal food assistance programs, such as SNAP, WIC and school lunches. The government was [spending more](https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/chart-gallery/58388?ref=investigatemidwest.org) on the programs than at any point in their history. Many people couldn’t work during the pandemic, and the programs [helped](https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2025/11/14/what-the-data-says-about-food-stamps-in-the-us/?ref=investigatemidwest.org#how-has-the-number-of-food-stamp-recipients-changed-over-time) them make ends meet. Since then, though, the funding has trended downward, and it will likely continue to drop. In summer 2025, President Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” took effect, cutting taxes for wealthy Americans. To help pay for the tax cuts, the bill defunded federal food assistance, changed eligibility requirements and placed more responsibility on state governments. The changes forced many families to figure out how to find their next meals. A single mother in Arizona [told NBC News](https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/trump-food-stamp-cuts-children-arizona-hungry-big-beautiful-bill-rcna343922?ref=investigatemidwest.org) that her $600 monthly assistance for her two children stopped without warning. “We’ve been going to food banks every week,” she said. “We’re eating less, we’re eating more frozen stuff.” A major change went into effect in October. Federal and state governments have typically split the funding for SNAP, or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. But now states must cover 75%. Over the next five years, federal funding will decrease by almost $17 billion, [according to NPR](https://www.npr.org/2026/10/01/nx-s1-5985222/snap-benefits-program-october-change-funding?ref=investigatemidwest.org). It’s also unclear how a planned reorganization of the U.S. Department of Agriculture might affect the programs. A judge recently [halted](https://www.dtnpf.com/agriculture/web/ag/news/article/2026/10/14/judge-extends-stay-usda-employee-dec?ref=investigatemidwest.org) the reorganization until mid-December. The Food and Nutrition Administration, which until recently was named the Food and Nutrition Service, oversees the food assistance programs. Under the current relocation plan, staff in Washington D.C. would be forced to relocate to new regional hubs in Republican-led states, [according to Government Executive](https://www.govexec.com/management/2026/10/usda-reshapes-its-food-assistance-agency-employee-relocations-remain-hold/416539/?ref=investigatemidwest.org). A union representing federal employees has said the forced relocations could lead to large staffing losses, which could further disrupt the assistance programs. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/cd/d3/cdd3c059-8898-40b1-bcf7-cb2d3aa89775/content/images/investigatemidwest-org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/dataharvestsqlogofinal.png) ***Data Harvest*** (formerly Graphic of the Week) is Investigate Midwest’s way of making complex agricultural data easy to understand. Through engaging graphics, charts, and maps, we break down key trends to help readers quickly grasp the forces shaping farming, food systems, and rural communities. **Want us to explore other data trends?** [Let us know here.](https://investigatemidwest.org/data-harvest/?ref=investigatemidwest.org#data-harvest-form) ## **Read more on the SNAP program** [SNAP spending at farmers’ markets grew 431% over a decade and held steady post-pandemicOnce seen as niche, farmers' markets are increasingly becoming vital for food access for low-income communities, with food stamp sales holding steady after a post-pandemic surge and amid policy changes. Nationally, spending at farmers’ markets using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, rose from![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/cd/d3/cdd3c059-8898-40b1-bcf7-cb2d3aa89775/content/images/icon/Investigate-Midwest--60-x-60-px--3e84d531-96b4-48c7-a588-2ec4c0a3a5c6.png)Investigate MidwestJennifer Bamberg, Investigate Midwest![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/cd/d3/cdd3c059-8898-40b1-bcf7-cb2d3aa89775/content/images/thumbnail/dataharvestcover-1080x1350-df4eee6e-45fc-41b3-b98c-dfad89c8d871.png)](https://www.investigatemidwest.org/snap-spending-at-farmers-markets-grew-431-over-a-decade-and-held-steady-post-pandemic/) [SNAP use has declined in nearly every state. The program now faces its largest budget cut.US Department of Agriculture data shows rural households have major declines![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/cd/d3/cdd3c059-8898-40b1-bcf7-cb2d3aa89775/content/images/icon/Investigate-Midwest--60-x-60-px--9145705c-d16a-426d-957c-e09892c7faa8.png)Investigate MidwestJohn McCracken, Investigate Midwest![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/cd/d3/cdd3c059-8898-40b1-bcf7-cb2d3aa89775/content/images/thumbnail/groceries1-scaled-865ac956-9a00-4e90-906b-92208a1b8d06.jpg)](https://www.investigatemidwest.org/snap-use-has-declined-in-nearly-every-state-the-program-now-faces-its-largest-budget-cut/) [USDA’s new SNAP rules sound healthy. Until you read the fine print.A proposed rule to expand grocery stocking requirements under SNAP could leave many small retailers unable to comply, cutting off food access in low-income communities.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/cd/d3/cdd3c059-8898-40b1-bcf7-cb2d3aa89775/content/images/icon/Investigate-Midwest--60-x-60-px--e39169f3-a73f-4287-957a-54fca579e334.png)Investigate MidwestDave Dickey, Columnist![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/cd/d3/cdd3c059-8898-40b1-bcf7-cb2d3aa89775/content/images/thumbnail/Untitled--16-x-9-in--e65ac196-3e7f-41fc-9a2d-e6ec73977650.png)](https://www.investigatemidwest.org/usdas-new-snap-rules-sound-healthy-until-you-read-the-fine-print/) [Trump tried to limit SNAP during the shutdown. Many in his base were eligible.In farm-dependent counties, rates of food insecurity are increasing. The president has tried to curtail the nation’s premier anti-hunger initiative.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/cd/d3/cdd3c059-8898-40b1-bcf7-cb2d3aa89775/content/images/icon/Investigate-Midwest--60-x-60-px--1ddab1f3-4d18-4e18-bce9-3775bdf284f7.png)Investigate MidwestSky Chadde, Investigate Midwest![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/cd/d3/cdd3c059-8898-40b1-bcf7-cb2d3aa89775/content/images/thumbnail/data-harvest-teaser-image-12-1080x1350-970e4ede-6876-4dcf-9860-ae7e2ecec499.png)](https://www.investigatemidwest.org/trump-tried-to-limit-snap-during-the-shutdown-many-in-his-base-were-eligible/)