USDA Analysis Shows How Proposed SNAP Changes Would Affect Students

The Trump administration proposed changes to the SNAP program, potentially affecting free school lunch eligibility for 500,000 children. The USDA's response included a new analysis and a 14-day public comment period. The changes aim to tighten SNAP requirements and eliminate automatic enrollment, which some view as a loophole. Critics, including Representative Bobby Scott, argue that the changes could negatively impact low-income families and increase paperwork burdens, potentially leading to eligible children losing access to free meals. The new rules would still allow 45% of affected children to receive free meals, while others would qualify for reduced-cost meals or lose eligibility entirely.

What percentage of children currently receiving free meals would still be eligible under the new rule?

What impact did Representative Bobby Scott claim the proposed rule would have on eligible children?