The One Big Beautiful Bill Act proposes a $186 billion reduction to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) over the next decade, affecting 22.3 million families nationwide. In the Washington, DC, metropolitan area, nearly a quarter of a million families stand to lose some or all of their benefits.
About 50,000 families will lose at least $25 a month, with an average monthly loss of $187, which is higher than the national average of $146. With the average cost of a meal in DC at $4.50, this translates to a loss of roughly 40 meals per month for affected households. These families will need to rely on local governments and nonprofits to fill the gap, which will require federal support to meet the projected high demand.
This analysis offers a snapshot of how SNAP recipients in one major city may be affected. Similar patterns could emerge in other cities where SNAP is critical for food security.