Recent federal proposals suggest states be required to contribute 5%, 10%, or even 25% of the total cost of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. For Texas, this could mean shouldering up to $1.79 billion in new annual costs — a massive shift from the current federal-state funding structure.
In FY2026, SNAP benefits issued in Texas are projected to total $7.17 billion. If the state is required to pick up a share of these costs, Texas will face significant budgetary pressure, potentially forcing cuts to other critical programs or requiring new revenue sources. A 5% state share would amount to approximately $358 million, while a 25% share would balloon to around $1.79 billion — funds that Texas does not currently allocate for SNAP, which is entirely federally funded under the existing structure. This shift would strain the state budget while threatening food assistance for millions of low-income Texans if the state is unable or unwilling to fully meet the new funding obligations.
In Perspective: Teacher Salaries
To illustrate the scale of these costs, we translated the estimated SNAP state contributions into an equivalent number of public-school teacher salaries. This approach helps Texans better understand how SNAP cost shifts could affect the everyday services they rely on.
A 25% cost share would require funding equal to the salaries of nearly 30,000 teachers — more than many major school districts combined. Even a 10% shift would equate to nearly 6,000 teachers’ salaries, stretching Texas education resources thin.
What Else Could This Money Fund?
Consider this: the Texas Veterans Commission, which provides job assistance, health care, and education access for veterans, operates on an annual budget of about $65 million.
Covering a 25% share of SNAP costs would consume more than 27 times the Veterans Commission’s budget. That amount could fund veteran services in Texas for nearly three decades.
Who Will This Impact Most?
SNAP is the country’s most important and effective anti-hunger program. It is our first line of defense against hunger in economic downturns, including the one our nation is currently in. It helps children, aging adults, employed adults working low-paying jobs, and people with disabilities. In Texas, more than 3 million people stand to be affected by these proposed cuts and more than 22,000 retailers will be impacted by a drop in sales as a result. Households with kids will be the most affected demographic. With over 13% of Texas children living in households well below the poverty line, we cannot jeopardize their lifeline. Research shows that SNAP reduces poverty and food insecurity. Long term, these benefits lead to improved health and economic outcomes.
SNAP is more than a food assistance program; it supports working families, local economies, and long-term stability. Shifting a portion of SNAP costs to the state could have widespread implications for Texas — from classrooms to veterans’ care. Any such cost-sharing proposals must be weighed carefully against the long-term strain they would place on state budgets and essential public services.
Take Action!
We just need a few pieces of information to connect you with your elected officials.
First, let’s call your Congress members. This includes your U.S. Representative and Senator!
- Once you fill out your information, you will be taken to a page to call your Congress members.
- There will be a phone script that you can use to tell your representatives to say NO to cuts to SNAP.
If you are making a call, PLEASE HAVE YOUR PHONE READY with the ringer on before you click “Take Action” to be connected to your elected official’s office! When you click the TAKE ACTION button, you will immediately receive a call (from 469-835-2860 or 202-787-3620). Answer the call and follow the prompts to get connected.
If you do not want to make a call, click “skip calling” at the bottom.
Second, let’s email your Congress members.
- Once you fill out your information and make your call, you will be taken to a page to email your congressional members.
- There will be a pre-drafted email that tells your elected official to say NO to cuts to SNAP.
If you do not want to send an email, click “skip emailing” at the bottom.
For questions about SNAP in Texas, email Food Policy Analyst Amber O’Connor.