Changes to SNAP Put New Pressures on Families in Maryland and D.C.
As the District of Columbia and Maryland enter a new fiscal year, families are facing significant changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) at a time when access to critical federal nutrition programs is under growing pressure.
Beginning October 1, 2026, D.C. and Maryland will assume a greater share of SNAP administrative costs, as the federal share decreases from 50 percent to 25 percent as a result of the harmful budget reconciliation law (H.R.1) enacted last year. For fiscal year (FY) 2027, this shift is expected to cost D.C. approximately $39.3 million in local funds — an additional $10 million in administrative costs. Maryland estimates that its full-year increase in SNAP administrative costs will reach $57.5 million, bringing the state’s annual contribution to $172.5 million. These additional costs come as both jurisdictions work to implement new federal eligibility and work requirements while maintaining timely access to benefits. As of June 2026, SNAP participation had already declined by 7 percent in D.C. (9,162 people) and 6 percent in Maryland (39,255 people) since January 2025.
At the same time, SUN Bucks (Summer EBT) will conclude its 2026 benefit period on September 30, removing an important source of grocery assistance for families with children as students return to school. The combination of declining SNAP participation, new eligibility restrictions, increased administrative costs, and the end of summer food benefits underscores why nutrition assistance must be treated as essential infrastructure.
SNAP Humanitarian Eligibility Changes
The new fiscal year will also bring significant changes to SNAP eligibility for certain noncitizens. Under H.R. 1, certain noncitizen populations (refugees, asylum seekers, certain humanitarian parolees, survivors of trafficking, and others) are no longer eligible to continue receiving SNAP. The Department of Human Services (DHS) will use the federal Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) system to verify immigration status as part of the eligibility process. Household members determined to be no longer eligible under the new federal rules will receive notices explaining changes to their SNAP benefits.
These changes are particularly concerning for immigrant and mixed-status families because they come just weeks after a new public charge final rule took effect on September 18. Although SNAP eligibility and public charge determinations are separate processes, the timing of these policies creates significant confusion and fear among families seeking or continuing to receive public benefits. For families already navigating complex immigration and benefits systems, the loss of SNAP means less food on the table, while uncertainty around the new rule is discouraging eligible family members from seeking the support for which they qualify.
Economic Impact of SNAP Changes
The impact of these changes extends beyond the households that rely on SNAP. SNAP benefits are also an important source of economic activity for grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and other food retailers in communities across D.C. and Maryland.
In Maryland, more than 3,900 retailers accept SNAP benefits, with nearly $1.9 billion in SNAP benefits redeemed at retailers in 2023. For every SNAP dollar spent, up to $1.80 is generated in economic activity during a downturn, meaning reductions in SNAP participation can also reduce the purchasing power flowing into local communities and businesses.
D.C. has approximately 420 SNAP retailers, many of which operate in communities with limited grocery access. As fewer households receive SNAP and eligible noncitizens lose access to benefits, the resulting reduction in SNAP spending could mean less revenue for retailers that rely on SNAP customers, particularly small and neighborhood grocery retailers. These impacts are especially important to consider as D.C. and Maryland work to strengthen grocery access and build more equitable local food economies.
How States Can Support Families
While federal SNAP policy determines who is eligible for benefits, leaders in D.C. and Maryland have an important role in determining how residents experience these changes. Both jurisdictions have made investments in technology, streamlined application and recertification processes, and strengthened benefit access initiatives to make it easier for households to apply for and maintain SNAP. As new work requirements and other federal changes take effect, these investments must continue to evolve and be matched with implementation that is accurate, accessible, transparent, and responsive to residents.
D.C. and Maryland can use this moment to strengthen the systems, partnerships, and community-based resources that connect residents to nutrition assistance, reduce unnecessary administrative barriers, and ensure that the growing complexity of federal requirements does not become another obstacle for people who remain eligible for benefits.
As these changes take effect, D.C. Hunger Solutions and Maryland Hunger Solutions will continue working alongside residents and community partners to connect families to accurate information, SNAP application and recertification assistance, and other available nutrition resources. If you or someone you know needs help applying for SNAP benefits, please contact D.C. Hunger Solutions at info@dchunger.org or Maryland Hunger Solutions at info@mdhungersolutions.org to get connected with assistance and resources.