US Senate’s “Big Beautiful Bill” axes SNAP nutrition education and restricts access

The US’ largest anti-hunger program faces “unprecedented” cuts that threaten the nutrition security of lower-income families and immigrants. The Senate passed the Republicans’ “Big Beautiful Bill” without a single Democratic vote and rejected all proposed amendments from the minority party. The bill, sent back to House, was passed by 218 to 214 votes and now awaits President Donald Trump’s signature today on Independence Day.

The bill would eliminate nutrition education programs, tighten SNAP (food stamp) eligibility, and shift a share of the program’s costs to the individual states — jeopardizing access for millions. Alongside deep cuts to Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act, and hospital funding, the bill slashes public services to help finance significant tax breaks for the wealthy.

KKF finds that 30 million of the 38.3 million people receiving SNAP in 2022 were also enrolled in Medicaid.

Several polls have shown that US citizens strongly oppose the bill, including unions and Republicans.

The Republican Senate bill would end SNAP for 2.9 million Americans, including 1.1 million in job-scarce areas, 900,000 seniors, 600,000 parents, and 270,000 veterans, homeless, and foster youth, confirms the Congressional Budget Office (CBO). 

It warns the Senate bill would raise the deficit by nearly US$3.3 trillion from 2025 to 2034, nearly US$1 trillion more than the House-passed bill, which CBO projects would add US$2.4 trillion over a decade.

The bill cuts nearly US$1 trillion from essential health programs under governmental red tape, says Richard Besser, president and CEO of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

“Devastating” decision

Recently, some provisions in the bill ran up against the Senate’s Byrd Rule, which blocks some provisions not directly tied to federal spending or revenue from passing unless 60 senators agree to waive them. This prompted alterations and removals. However, despite the rule, the altered bill still significantly included cuts to programs that rely on federal funding.

The bill was passed through the budget reconciliation process, which only needs 51 votes instead of 60. “Lawmakers knew the stakes were high — they saw the data, heard the voices of working parents, grandparents, and older adults struggling to make ends meet, and the important role SNAP plays in helping to keep hunger at bay,” says FitzSimons.

“Yet, they chose politics over people, passing the bill — with all Democrats joined by three Republicans opposing by 51–50 — with Vice President [James David] Vance casting the tie-breaking vote.”

The bill eliminates SNAP-Ed and restricts eligibility for seniors, caregivers, and immigrants.He adds: “Calling today’s outcome disappointing doesn’t begin to cover it. It’s devastating.”

Eliminating nutrition education 

The bill eliminates SNAP-Ed, the nutrition education program, which encourages and teaches cooking, healthy eating, and other wellness programs in low-income communities. 

The move goes against the advice of experts stressing the importance of nutrition education and science in tackling misinformation and chronic diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular issues. 

A recent study revealed that the majority of US citizens consume diets high in ultra-processed foods, refined grains, and processed meats — key drivers of poor cardiometabolic outcomes. Only 2.4% of adults in households with low or very low food security achieve high diet quality.

The study’s analysis of recent national data highlights the widespread prevalence of poor diet quality across the country, regardless of sociodemographic status, and emphasizes the urgent need to address the health crisis with science-based policies and programs. 

Changes to children’s health, eligibility requirements, and state funding 

FoodCorps says the long-term changes to SNAP will be felt deeply and “jeopardize” families trying to afford basic groceries. 

It shifts SNAP costs to states, risking benefit cuts and reduced access for millions.The bill also limits future increases in SNAP benefits and child nutrition programs like school meals and Summer EBT, which provides some money per eligible child in families. FitzSimons says Texas is opting out of the Summer EBT Program in 2027, where thousands of children will not receive food benefits. She warns that schools may be forced to limit free meals as more children turn toward them as a result.

Furthermore, the bill tightens eligibility requirements for seniors up to 65 and parents of children over 14 and eliminates exemptions for caregivers, says FitzSimons. Single parents, grandparents raising their grandchildren, older adults, and unpaid caregivers may not be eligible for food stamps. “This is a massive cut that goes well beyond reducing waste and increasing efficiency,” comments Celia Cole, CEO of Feeding Texas, the state association of food banks.

FitzSimons adds: “While supporters of this bill claim these types of provisions promote work, they come with no funding for states to help people access jobs or training.” 

She notes that the cost burden is placed on state agencies, and women and people of color face disproportionate harm. Lawful immigrants are also no longer eligible.

From 2028, states for the first time must fund a part of SNAP and pay for administrative costs that come with it — which would cost millions to keep running.

FitzSimons warns that 23 states may not be able to fund SNAP without cutting costs to other programs, such as education, healthcare, or public safety.

“The loss of SNAP revenue could result in increased costs at grocery stores and store closures — at a time when food insecurity has increased three years in a row and grocery store prices are increasing faster than average,” she highlights.

“The consequences are too serious to ignore.”