This summary provides an overview of how changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Congress is considering as part of the 2025 budget reconciliation process would affect young adults ages 18-24. Several proposed SNAP changes would threaten access to the program for the almost 3 million young adults who receive SNAP benefits.

Why This Matters

Almost 3 million young adults rely on SNAP to afford healthy meals. SNAP is a critical support for the healthy development of these young adults, particularly those with limited family support—during the difficult transition to adulthood and as they are entering the workforce. Research has shown that substantial shares of young adults face food insecurity and that this food insecurity jeopardizes their healthy development. And evidence shows that SNAP is effective at reducing food insecurity and improving long-term health outcomes. Further, SNAP lifts young adults and others out of poverty, particularly during economic downturns.

Key Takeaways

A range of proposed changes to SNAP has circulated publicly via congressional documents and media reporting. Proposed funding cuts would threaten critical nutrition assistance for young adults by restricting eligibility and reducing benefit levels. Additionally, proposed expansion of work-reporting requirements and elimination of practices that streamline program access would disproportionately affect young adults’ access by exacerbating their existing challenges navigating program requirements