As new federal SNAP rules take effect, food banks brace for higher demand

As of Feb. 1, President Donald Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” requires that about 55,750 New Mexicans work, volunteer or attend training to keep receiving SNAP benefits. As the new requirements take effect, local food banks say they’re expecting an influx of demand.

The bill, passed in July, will cut approximately $186 billion from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program through 2034, according to the Congressional Budget Office — a reduction of about 20% and the largest cut to the program in history. With about 460,000 people in the state enrolled in the program, New Mexico has the highest percentage of residents who rely on SNAP benefits, according to federal data.

“We’re very concerned,” said Jason Riggs, director of advocacy and public policy at Roadrunner Food Bank of New Mexico. “It’s pretty confusing, the information that’s come down from (U.S. Department of Agriculture). This was all done incredibly fast, and I don’t think any state in the union’s really had a chance to catch up with all of this.”

Under the new law, work requirements are extended to able-bodied adults between the ages of 55 and 64. Now, everyone who is able-bodied from ages 18 through 65 without dependents must work or attend a work program for at least 80 hours per month to receive benefits.

Veterans, former foster youth aged 24 and younger and unhoused people are no longer exempt from work requirements. Parents or caregivers with dependents 14 years old and older must also meet work requirements unless an exception applies, according to the New Mexico Health Care Authority.

The bill prevents states from extending benefits beyond three months in areas where the unemployment rate is below 10%.

Native Americans are exempt from work requirements under the new law. 

Work rules also do not apply if a SNAP recipient receives supplemental security income (SSI) or general assistance disability benefits, has a physical or mental disability that prevents work, is pregnant, is caring for a child under 14 or a disabled family member, is receiving unemployment benefits, is enrolled at least part-time in school, training or higher education, or is enrolled in a drug or alcohol treatment program.

Residents of Luna County, Taos Pueblo, Tesuque Pueblo, Laguna Pueblo or San Felipe Pueblo are also exempt from work requirements. 

“These are federal requirements, not state policy, but our job is to make sure New Mexicans don't lose food benefits because they didn't know about the changes,” said Niki Kozlowski, director of HCA’s Income Support Division. “We know this may be stressful for families who depend on SNAP. Our staff can help you understand whether you qualify for an exception or how to report your work or volunteer hours.”

New Mexico has already taken steps to address federal changes to the SNAP program. In a short special session in November intended to address the fallout from Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill," New Mexico legislators passed House Bill 1, which guaranteed that New Mexicans would receive SNAP benefits throughout the federal government shutdown. The bill also included a $1.5 million appropriation to the Health Care Authority to help SNAP recipients meet work and volunteer requirements in conjunction with the state Department of Workforce Solutions.

“Qualifying activities” that apply towards the 80-hour-per-month requirement include full or part-time paid work, self-employment, job training or work-experience programs, education or GED classes, volunteering or community service, or hours logged as part of the SNAP Employment & Training program.

If a SNAP recipient does not meet work requirements and is not exempt from them, they may only receive three months of SNAP benefits in a three-year period, according to the New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty. The recipient will only be eligible again after three years have passed. 

At Roadrunner, staff is concerned that SNAP recipients who may not be able to receive mail, or who don’t have access to the internet, may not see the new requirements, and as a result won’t be eligible for benefits for another three years, Riggs said.

The new restrictions also limit SNAP benefits to only U.S. citizens and qualified lawful permanent residents, and discontinue benefits to those with legal status who have entered the country under asylum and refugee laws.

“They are here legally following the rules. Many of them worked with U.S. military in countries like Iraq or Afghanistan. Many are fleeing violence in their home country. Many have been victims of sex trafficking,” Riggs said. “It’s a very difficult place to be, so something long term needs to happen in order to take care of that population.”

Riggs said the food bank sees an increase in traffic with any federal policy affecting SNAP benefits. Roadrunner had high demand in July, when the SNAP cuts were announced, and in November, when the government shutdown left SNAP recipients uncertain about their benefits.

SNAP benefits can provide nine times the amount of food as the entire National Food Bank network, Riggs said, and though the food bank is preparing to meet demand, “there’s no way we can just quadruple our efforts.”

“I think there’s a belief out there that people should earn this,” he said. “But it’s actually meant to be assistance … the purpose of SNAP is to be there to kind of help folks through.”

New Mexicans who have questions on their eligibility or who want to report their working hours should visit yes.nm.gov or call 1-800-283-4465 for assistance, HCA officials said.

Natalie Robbins covers education for the Journal. You can reach her at nrobbins@abqjournal.com.