State Policy · NH
New Hampshire Food Insecurity Rises as Federal SNAP Cuts Take Effect
Food insecurity in New Hampshire increased from 10.7% to 11.7% of residents between 2023 and 2024, with child food insecurity rising from 14.4% to 15.5%, according to Feeding America's annual report. Federal SNAP restrictions enacted in the July 2025 One Big Beautiful Bill Act — including work requirements, migrant benefit bans, and funding caps — are now taking effect on a rolling schedule. Food bank officials report rising demand, increased costs, and declining donations, with particular concern about homeless students and working families unable to afford food despite employment. The federal Food Security Survey was canceled in 2025, eliminating the primary data source for tracking hunger trends.
Why it mattersRising food insecurity and federal SNAP restrictions will increase demand for state Medicaid programs serving overlapping populations, particularly maternal and child health services, while reducing coordination opportunities between nutrition assistance and health coverage.