1 Million Children Lose Food Benefits After Trump-Era Bill Takes Effect

More than 1 million children have lost access to federal food benefits as a result of a bill passed during the Trump administration, according to recent data. The bill, which tightened eligibility requirements for certain nutrition assistance programs, began phasing in changes that have now fully taken effect. Affected families include those with incomes just above the new thresholds, as well as households that failed to meet paperwork or work-requirement rules. The cuts are concentrated in states with large low-income populations, including Texas, California, and Florida. Advocates say the loss of benefits could worsen child hunger and strain food banks, while supporters argue the changes were needed to reduce fraud and focus resources on the poorest families. The Agriculture Department has not yet released an updated impact estimate, but independent researchers project the number could grow as more families lose coverage in coming months. The debate now centers on whether lawmakers will act to restore benefits or further tighten rules. For the affected families, many are turning to community programs or school-based meal services to fill the gap.