Tampa, Florida — Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. dismissed concerns Wednesday about reductions in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, even as new data showed nationwide enrollment has fallen to its lowest level in 17 years.
Asked whether cuts to SNAP would reduce food access for children and families, Kennedy said, “I don’t think it’s gonna have that much effect.” He also claimed those removed from the program were no longer eligible because of income or immigration status.
A new analysis from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities found SNAP participation fell by roughly 5 million people, or 12%, between July 2025 and May 2026. Enrollment declined in every state except Alaska and has dropped below pre-pandemic levels.
The analysis also estimated that well over 1.5 million children nationwide are no longer receiving SNAP. CBPP said many recipients may have lost assistance because of stricter work-reporting requirements and administrative barriers rather than because they became ineligible.
The Republican reconciliation law signed by President Donald Trump last year imposed major SNAP reductions, expanded work requirements and shifted some benefit costs to states.
Kennedy made the comments during a Florida event focused on improving school nutrition, an initiative aimed at replacing highly processed foods with more nutrient-dense options.
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