As food prices remain high in 2025, the pinch on consumers, particularly those who receive food stamps — the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) — tightens, as proposed federal cuts would further reduce benefits.
While there are a lot of moving parts to in the House Reconciliation bill that now faces U.S. Senate action, there could be $300 billion cut from SNAP funding through 2034.
The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities estimates that 7 million people would have food assistance cut or terminated under the proposed legislation. Data research firm Numerator reports that 86% of SNAP households said their benefits do not last the entire month, and 63% are concerned about their financial situation.
Numerator reports grocery spending among SNAP recipients peaked during 2021 and 2022, only to drop after emergency allotments ended in March 2023. Numerator found that SNAP benefits after March 2023 dropped 8.5%, and the spend rate amount SNAP trips declined 8.4%.
With four in five SNAP recipients saying their benefits don’t last the full month, they are relying more on food pantry donations, but pantries are beginning to limit donations per household to one per month because of the rising need.
Numerator said at peak usage in 2022, 19% of U.S. households regularly used SNAP benefits. That dropped to 15% of U.S. households this spring. The report said many households leaving the SNAP program have an income above $80,000, live in suburban areas, and tend to be younger Gen X consumers.
Numerator said that at the peak usage in 2022, 19% of U.S. households regularly used SNAP benefits. That dropped to 15% of U.S. households this spring. The report said households that have left the SNAP program likely no longer need it as they largely have an income over $80,000 and live in suburban areas and tend to be younger Gen X consumers.
Households on SNAP are skewing toward higher incomes as 23% have a household income of $80,000 or more, and 53% have income between $40,000 and $80,000. One in three are full-time employees, and 12% are disabled. Nearly two-thirds of SNAP households do not have children.
Despite the higher incomes of SNAP households, 68% say their benefits barely cover their nutritional needs, given the high food prices. As budgets continue to tighten, 31% said they are eating less meat and protein, 24% are buying less fresh produce and 47% are stocking up during sales.
According to verified purchase data for SNAP users, Walmart leads in SNAP shopper spend (24%), followed by Kroger (8%), Costco (6%), Amazon (5%), and Sam’s Club (4%).
Numerator also reports top consumer packaged goods (CPG) manufacturers such as Tyson Foods, Post and ConAgra are the most exposed to changes in SNAP benefits. Among SNAP sales for top brands, 10.6% of Post Consumer brands utilized SNAP dollars, followed by 8.4% with Tyson, 7.7% with Conagra, 7.5% with Kraft Heinz, 7.3% with General Mills, 7.2% with Frito-Lay, 6.8% with J.M. Smucker, 6.8% with Bimbo Bakeries USA, and 6.5% with Nestle.
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