A significant decline has occurred in the number of people receiving federal food aid. Over a 12-month period, participation decreased by more than 13%. This drop is much larger than initially predicted.

Certain requirements have become stricter, affecting eligibility for assistance. Some individuals who qualify are being rejected due to missed deadlines or lack of necessary documents.

The exact reasons for the decline are not yet clear, and some state agencies are struggling to implement changes, making it difficult to determine the causes of the decrease.