Congress moves to strip SNAP work requirements, expanding food aid
H.R. 7522 — Improving Access to Nutrition Act of 2026 · Filed by Alma Adams (D-NC) · 15 cosponsors · Introduced Feb 12, 2026 · Referred to committee
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What it does
This bill removes work requirements from SNAP (food stamps) that currently apply to able-bodied adults without dependents, eliminating the threat of benefit loss for people unable to meet work mandates. The bill also eliminates a separate provision requiring states to fund work-opportunity programs tied to SNAP eligibility. The stated rationale is that work requirements reduce participation, disproportionately harm Black Americans and homeless families, and studies show they do not reduce poverty.
Why we flagged it
The bill's core function is to eliminate work requirements from SNAP eligibility and remove state funding mandates for work-opportunity programs. This is a straightforward policy change to expand food-assistance access.
What the text implies
- Removal of work requirements may increase SNAP enrollment and federal spending on benefits, though the bill does not include offsetting budget provisions or funding mechanisms.
- States currently receiving additional allocations for work-opportunity programs will lose that funding stream, potentially affecting workforce development infrastructure in those states.
The full analysis lists 4 implications of this text.
Who stands to gain
Low-income individuals and families (primary beneficiaries of expanded SNAP access); Food retailers and grocers (increased SNAP redemption volume)