Closing the Meal Gap Act of 2025: US may raise SNAP benefits amid rising hunger

US Congress officials have introduced an act to help people suffering from nutrition insecurity, as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) is undergoing major changes. 

The Closing the Meal Gap Act of 2025 aims to reduce food insecurity by increasing benefits under the program. It also increases funding to people with substantial medical and housing expenses. 

The act changes the way SNAP benefits are calculated from the Thrifty Food Plan to the Low Cost Food Plan, highlight the officials — Congresswomen Alma S. Adams, Jahana Hayes, Summer Lee, Nydia Velázquez, and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand.

“No one in America should have to worry about where their next meal is coming from, but SNAP benefits are simply not enough to put food on the table,” states Adams, senior member of the House Committee on Agriculture.

“As inflation and cost of living continue to rise, we should focus on strengthening SNAP, not making deep, reckless cuts that only worsen hunger in the US.”

She believes the act can help tens of millions of people — “including seniors, people with disabilities, single mothers, veterans, and children.”

“Hunger is a policy choice… we are choosing to provide for the people who need it most.”

Advocate support

Crystal FitzSimons, president of the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC), applauds the officials for introducing the act.

Most SNAP participants have lost US$82 a month in SNAP benefits post-COVID.“The bill recognizes that current SNAP benefits, averaging just US$6 per person per day, are not enough for the tens of millions of people who struggle to put food on the table. This legislation would raise the minimum SNAP benefit and ease impossible choices families face between paying for food, rent, or medicine.”

“Congress must pass this bill without delay to strengthen SNAP and help mitigate the harm of the historic and devastating SNAP cuts included in the recently passed budget reconciliation law,” she urges.

Shift in plans

According to FRAC’s fact sheet on the act, millions of people are going hungry since the temporary increases to SNAP benefits ended post-COVID in 2023. Most SNAP participants have lost US$82 a month in SNAP benefits.

It highlights that the most common issue to eating healthy under SNAP is the high cost of healthy foods. SNAP benefits come from the Thrifty Food Plan, which FRAC says is the most “meager” of federal food plans. Instead, the Low Cost Food Plan is a level higher.

“In the richest country in the world, it is unacceptable that over 40 million Americans, including 15 million children, still face hunger. We must do more to combat hunger… across the nation,” says Gillibrand. 

“That’s why I’m so proud to lead my Democratic colleagues in introducing the Closing the Meal Gap Act. By enhancing SNAP benefits, this vital legislation will help put food on the table for those who need it most. This is potentially life-saving, commonsense legislation, and I am determined to get it passed.”

Hayes adds: “This legislation treats food as the fundamental necessity that it is.” 

Lee condemns hunger as a “despicable policy choice” in one of the wealthiest countries in the world. “As groceries are breaking budgets and wages remain stagnant, [President Donald] Trump and Republicans are shamelessly gutting SNAP and tearing food assistance from millions of families nationwide.”

Post “Big Beautiful Bill”

This act comes after the US Senate passed the “One Big Beautiful Bill” last July, slashing US$186 billion from SNAP. It also axed nutrition education and restricted access to benefits.

“At a time when families are being crushed by the rising cost of living, Republicans have chosen to launch heartless attacks on SNAP, slashing benefits and making it harder for millions to put food on the table,” says Velázquez. 

“Hunger is not inevitable; it is the result of failed policies and misplaced priorities. The Closing the Meal Gap Act strengthens SNAP so families, especially those with children, and seniors don’t have to choose between paying rent, affording medicine, or eating dinner. I’m proud to stand with my colleagues to fight back against these cruel cuts and make sure every household has access to the nutrition they need to live with dignity.”