The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has long been a critical resource for millions of American families struggling with food insecurity. However, in 2025, a series of policy changes will significantly alter how SNAP benefits work.
From restrictions on certain purchases to changes in work requirements and security measures, these new rules aim to promote healthier eating, enhance security, and update the program to reflect modern needs. Here’s an overview of what’s changing and what it means for you.
States to Ban Purchase of Sugary Drinks and Snacks
One of the most notable changes is that several states are implementing restrictions on what you can purchase with SNAP benefits.
States such as Florida, Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, Louisiana, and West Virginia have been granted federal approval to block the use of food stamps for ultra-processed items, such as soda, candy, energy drinks, and other sugary snacks.
This policy is part of a broader initiative called the “Make America Healthy Again” campaign, and it will be enforced starting in 2026.
Supporters of the change argue that it will encourage low-income families to make healthier choices, steering them away from processed foods that contribute to obesity and other health issues.
However, the policy has drawn criticism from opponents who feel it is paternalistic. For example, Mariana Ruiz, a single mother in Tampa who depends on SNAP, argues that lawmakers should focus on making fresh, healthy food more affordable rather than policing what people eat.
The debate surrounding this policy highlights the tension between public health initiatives and personal choice.
Stricter Work Requirements for SNAP Recipients
In addition to changes in what you can buy, the work requirements for SNAP recipients have also become stricter. Previously, only adults aged 18 to 54 without dependents (referred to as ABAWDs, or Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents) were required to meet monthly work or job training quotas.
However, starting in mid-2025, this requirement will extend to adults up to age 64, and exemptions for veterans and the homeless will be reduced. The only new exemption is for Native Americans living on tribal lands.
ABAWDs will now be required to work at least 80 hours per month through employment, job training, or volunteer work. If they fail to meet this quota, they risk losing their benefits after three months.
This policy is intended to encourage self-sufficiency, but it has raised concerns about its impact on individuals who may struggle to meet these requirements due to health issues, age, or lack of access to flexible employment opportunities.
Internet Costs Added to SNAP Allowance and EMV-Enabled EBT Cards
To reflect the needs of the digital age, the USDA has decided to include basic internet costs in the SNAP Standard Utility Allowance (SUA), which determines the benefit amounts. States must implement this change by October 2025.
For families like the Garcias in New Mexico, this will be a big help. Rosa Garcia, a mother of two, shared, “My kids need the internet for school, and I need it to job-hunt. Every little bit helps.”
Additionally, many states are adopting upgraded EBT cards that include EMV chips, which are the same security features used in credit cards. This move aims to combat the rise in fraud involving SNAP benefits.
In California and Oklahoma, these upgraded cards are already being issued, providing much-needed protection for recipients. “I lost $200 last year to fraud,” says Marcus Lee, a disabled veteran from Los Angeles. “This upgrade can’t come soon enough.”
What Do These Changes Mean for You?
These changes to SNAP benefits reflect a mix of initiatives aimed at promoting healthier eating, ensuring more security for beneficiaries, and adjusting the program to the realities of modern life.
While the ban on sugary snacks and drinks might limit some families’ choices, the ability to deduct internet costs will help ease financial burdens.
The stricter work requirements will push for self-sufficiency, but it may pose challenges for certain individuals. Finally, the introduction of EMV chip-enabled cards will provide better protection against fraud.
Families who rely on SNAP benefits should be aware of these changes, as they will impact how you use your benefits, but they may also open up new opportunities and support for modern necessities. Make sure to stay informed about these updates and be ready to adjust your budget accordingly when the new rules go into effect.
