CalFresh Families at Risk From Fed Decision to Scrap SNAP Survey

On September 20, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) revealed the termination of its annual food insecurity survey, a crucial tool for determining funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps. Citing concerns over redundancy, politicization, and cost, the Trump administration announced the decision. The USDA aims to release the final report in October 2025, utilizing data collected in 2024. Initially launched by the Clinton administration, the 30-year survey has been criticized for not yielding significant insights. In California, an average of 5.38 million residents accessed SNAP benefits in fiscal year 2024, with 45% of adults struggling to afford food. Advocates, including Congresswoman Maxine Waters, condemned budget cuts that threaten food security, particularly impacting lower-income communities. Mauricio Torres from the California Budget and Policy Center expressed concern over the data gap, arguing it undermines the ability to address food insecurity effectively. As the USDA's data sources shrink, the need for reliable information to guide policy remains critical.