Changes to SNAP rules could add more pressure to food banks

Changes to SNAP rules could add more pressure to food banks

EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — Starting Oct. 1, changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program -- better known as SNAP -- will take effect under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Federal officials say the reforms are aimed at cutting costs. But food banks in New Mexico and across the state line in Texas are warning the impact could be immediate with more families lining up at their doors. The new law expands work requirements for able-bodied ad…

Federal Changes to SNAP Work Requirements Will Hurt New Mexico Families

By Emily Wildau Director of Policy Download this fact sheet (Sept 2025; 2 pgs; pdf) The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) expands strict work requirements for SNAP participants and restricts states’ ability to be granted waivers based on challenging economic conditions. As a result, many families in New Mexico risk immediately losing SNAP benefits that keep food on their tables. SNAP recipients who are subject to these work requirements, also k…