Beshear Says 80,000 Kentuckians Lost SNAP Under New Federal Rules
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear sent a letter to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins and the state's congressional delegation saying about 80,000 Kentuckians, including 24,655 children and 6,572 seniors, have lost SNAP benefits due to federal rule changes. The changes stem from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which expanded work requirements for SNAP eligibility, removing exemptions previously granted to veterans, homeless individuals, former foster youth, and adults aged 54-64. State data shows SNAP enrollment fell from 627,164 individuals in October 2025 to just under 547,000 currently, with 286,921 Kentucky households still receiving an average $346 monthly benefit. Beshear is urging federal officials to act to prevent children and elderly residents from going hungry.