""When people forgo SNAP who are otherwise eligible, that just makes their household budgets tighter and tighter and tighter," said Zac Hall, senior vice president of programs at Food Bank For NYC. "And they probably forgo going to the doctor and paying copays or buying medicines, or they have potentially less money in their savings account to deal with emergencies that may arise.""
"Last summer, Congress passed the H.R. 1 package, also known as the 'One, Big Beautiful Bill,' which narrowed eligibility for SNAP, tightened work requirements, and shifted more administrative pressure onto states."
From January 2025 to February 2026, New York State saw a 6.2% drop in SNAP participants, affecting over 180,000 individuals. In New York City, participation declined by 5.5%, impacting more than 100,000 people. Despite high food insecurity, policy experts attribute the decline to federal changes, including new work requirements and a chilling effect from immigration policies. Advocates warn that forgoing SNAP assistance tightens household budgets, leading to further financial strain and reduced access to healthcare.
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