New federal changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are beginning to reshape access to food assistance for low-income Americans. Young adults (especially students, people entering the workforce, and former foster youth) are among the groups expected to face new barriers.
The law enacted in July 2025 reduced federal SNAP spending, expanded work requirements, and shifted more administrative and benefit costs to states. According to federal participation data compiled by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, SNAP enrollment fell by more than3.5 million people nationwide between July 2025 and February 2026.
The transition into adulthood already coincides with financial instability for many people. Researchers and policy organizations say the latest changes may increase pressure on groups that historically have lower rates of program access despite qualifying for assistance.
New Work Requirements Raise Barriers for Young Adults
The legislation expanded work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents and removed exemptions previously available to some populations, including young adults who recently aged out of foster care.
Adults subject to the rule must work, participate in training, or volunteer for at least 80 hours each month. According to reporting based on the legislation, individuals who do not document participation for three months may lose eligibility for three years.
Lauren Bauer, a fellow at the Brookings Institution, noted that time spent searching for employment does not count toward the requirement. She argued that this creates a particular challenge for people entering the labor market for the first time, especially because younger workers are more likely to experience unstable employment and participate in gig work.
Former foster youth may face additional risks under the revised rules. According to the Annie E. Casey Foundation, more than 15,000 young people age out of foster care each year in the United States, and housing instability, unemployment, and educational disruption are common during the transition into adulthood. The organization reported that approximately 22% to 30% of former foster youth experience homelessness during that transition.
Students and States Face Growing Administrative Pressure
College students were not directly targeted by the legislation, but existing SNAP eligibility rules already create added hurdles.
According to the Food Research & Action Center, students enrolled more than half-time generally must meet additional eligibility exemptions beyond income limits, including the “work-to-eat” rule that requires at least 20 hours of paid work per week or 80 hours per month unless another exemption applies.
Access remains uneven. According to a 2025 Government Accountability Office report, nearly one-quarter of college students reported food insecurity in 2020, while many potentially eligible students did not receive SNAP benefits. The report also found that federal implementation of FAFSA data-sharing authority intended to support outreach had not yet been fully developed.
At the same time, states are preparing for a larger financial role in administering SNAP. Under the legislation, many states will begin paying between 5% and 15% of benefit costs beginning in 2027, with contributions tied partly to payment error rates.
According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, participation declines began before several major provisions were fully implemented, suggesting additional administrative and policy factors may already be influencing enrollment.
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