SNAP enrollment drops in Arizona as policy changes take effect

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - State data shows a sharp decline in SNAP enrollment across Arizona over the past year.

According to the Department of Economic Security, a little over 500,000 people received Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits in January. That’s about a 40% drop compared to the same time last year.

Senior Policy Analyst Kyle Ross with the Center for American Progress says the decline is part of a broader trend.

“SNAP recipients in Arizona has fallen by nearly 400,000 participants over the last year alone, with the large majority of that coming after the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act in July of 2025,” said Kyle Ross.

Ross points to new requirements and administrative changes as key reasons behind the drop. He says staffing shortages and longer wait times have made it harder for people to apply for or stay on benefits.

Last December, Governor Katie Hobbs announced more than $7 million to help SNAP offices hire temporary staff and upgrade technology to speed up processing.

Meanwhile, local residents say the cost of groceries has not gone down.

“It’s for sure harder now to afford groceries,” said one Yuma resident.

Ross says SNAP enrollment is likely to continue declining over the next year.

State data shows that trend may already be continuing, with enrollment dropping from January to February both statewide and in Yuma.