SNAP cuts, requirements could leave more rural Americans hungry; critics say benefit to taxpayers unclear

Critics of  proposed cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are struggling to find evidence of how they will help U.S. taxpayers. But they say one thing is clear: The changes outlined in the One Big Beautiful Bill could leave thousands of rural Americans hungry.

"Cuts to SNAP would affect residents of every state in all types of communities, but advocates fear the fallout could especially hit rural people, who are more dependent on food stamps, the largest anti-hunger program in the nation," reports Kevin Hardy for The Daily Montanan. The bill "expands work requirements to include people between 55 and 64 years old and those with children aged 7 or older." It contains stiffer rules for counties with higher unemployment numbers.

Government penalties for not working a required number of hours are dramatically tougher on rural residents because more remote places have far fewer business and employment opportunities. Hardy adds, "Rural hunger is already on the rise and grocery stores face an uphill battle to keep going in the most isolated parts of the country."

Residents in southeastern Missouri's Mississippi County, many of whom can scarcely afford a roof over their heads and food on their tables, provide an example of who SNAP cuts will hurt the most. Hardy explains, "Limited job opportunities leave many workers struggling to cover housing and grocery bills. Nearly a quarter of residents live below the poverty line — almost double the state and national averages."

SNAP cuts stand to do irreparable harm to rural grocery stores that already face razor-thin profit margins. "The National Grocers Association has opposed the potential cuts, saying SNAP provides not only critical food, but also meaningful boosts to local employment and economies," Hardy reports. "The organization, which represents retail and wholesale grocers, said cuts will particularly hurt independent and rural stores."

"Deep cuts to SNAP would have an uneven impact on rural stores," Hardy explains. "For Kay Voss, the cuts would be catastrophic at her Stratton Country Market in southwest Nebraska. She estimates 40% of sales are paid for with SNAP." She told Hardy, "“I’d probably close the doors."

Hungry people have fewer places to go in rural America, which adds stress to regional food banks that have already faced an uptick in need because of food inflation. Hardy reports, "Cuts to the SNAP program will drive up demand on food banks, especially in rural areas that have long struggled with access and transportation to secure fresh foods."