Wilmington, NC, November 11, 2026 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has proposed a significant rule change that could alter eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also widely known as food stamps. This proposal, originating from the Trump administration, targets a specific provision within the program’s guidelines.

The core of the proposed change involves tightening the criteria for families who currently receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and, as a result, also qualify for SNAP benefits. The rule seeks to limit the circumstances under which simultaneous enrollment in both programs is permitted.

According to estimates provided by the USDA, the implementation of this rule could have a substantial impact on beneficiaries. The department projects that over 6 million individuals might lose their SNAP benefits. Furthermore, the proposal could affect access to free school meals for nearly 2 million children, should their households fail to meet new, potentially stricter, income requirements.

It is important to note the timeline associated with this proposed regulation. The rule is not slated to take effect until 2029. This extended timeline allows for a comprehensive public comment period, during which stakeholders and the public can review the proposal and submit their feedback to the USDA before any final decisions are made.

The specific details regarding the new income thresholds or the precise mechanisms for how the eligibility for free school meals would be recalculated were not further elaborated in the provided summary. The contractor’s name was not provided. The fine amount was not provided.


Story summarized from the original created by ABC News on www.wwaytv3.com, see more information here.

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