Overview
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a lifeline for millions of Americans, including thousands of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and autism. Although the historic October 2025 federal shutdown has ended, its temporary suspension of SNAP benefits revealed how fragile the food system can be for families who rely on it.
Unfortunately, there are still looming threats to SNAP. Larger and longer-term policy changes from the federal budget reconciliation bill are before us. The “Big, Ugly Bill ”, signed into law in July by the President, will significantly restrict eligibility and reduce benefits over the next 10 years. These changes pose a severe, ongoing threat to food security.
What is SNAP?
SNAP is the nation’s largest anti-hunger program, providing monthly food assistance to 42 million Americans. Benefits are needs-based and are different for recipients, but the average is about $187 per month per person. SNAP is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and is administered by states. In Massachusetts, the Department of Transitional Assistance distributes SNAP benefits.
SNAP in Massachusetts
1 million people in Massachusetts alone benefit from SNAP each month. 31% are people with disabilities, 32% are children, and 26% are older adults. Massachusetts receives about $240 million per month from the federal government for SNAP.
