Around 63,000 SNAP recipients have lost coverage in the state since the megabill was signed in July 2025, according to a Connecticut Voices for Children report. It noted the state government has lost more than $155 million in SNAP-related revenue while taking on $131 million in new annual costs.

Emily Knox, research and policy director at Connecticut Voices for Children, said SNAP provided critical support for state residents.

“It helped households afford food, it reduced poverty, it brought federal resources into the state economy and it supported families in a state where basic costs are already high,” Knox outlined.

The report noted 828,000 residents live in or near poverty and SNAP was Connecticut’s third largest poverty-reducing program. Knox added the federal cuts came at a time of strain, not excess. The data showed Connecticut has the highest food insecurity rate in New England and spends less than neighboring states on addressing the problem.

In November 2025, state lawmakers responded to the cuts by creating a $500 million emergency fund, with another $50 million appropriated during the 2026 legislative session.

Ruchi Sheth, research and policy associate at Connecticut Voices for Children, argued it is not enough, stressing there is more the state can do to address issues like food access.

“Connecticut should create a non-lapsing food and nutrition fund that would allow resources to carry forward across fiscal years and support planning beyond emergency appropriations. The state should consider creating a state nutrition assistance program in the image and likeness of SNAP,” Sheth contended.

While the state cannot replace SNAP, Sheth added it can target assistance for residents who lose benefits due to federal restrictions.

The changes may be a preview of what lies ahead. The state Department of Social Services estimates 110,000 people on the state’s Medicaid program, HUSKY, will lose coverage because of new work requirements starting in 2027.