SNAP Advocacy

The NH Food Bank advocates for protecting the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), a vital program for those experiencing food insecurity.

Hunger in New Hampshire: The Reality

No one should have to wonder where their next meal will come from. Yet, according to Feeding America’s 2025 Map the Meal Gap study, 1 in 9 Granite Staters—and 1 in 7 children—experience food insecurity.

Behind these statistics are real people facing impossible choices every day. Hunger can affect anyone—and strong food assistance programs are critical to helping our neighbors weather difficult times.

By the Numbers

1 in 9

Granite Staters face food insecurity

1 in 7

Nh children face food insecurity

9

SNAP provides 9 meals for every 1 meal provided by food pantries

Programs like SNAP provide critical support at a scale food banks alone cannot match—delivering nine meals for every one meal provided by food pantries. SNAP also strengthens local economies, generating $1.54 in economic activity for every dollar invested, making it one of the most effective tools for reducing hunger and supporting communities.

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Stories of Food Insecurity in NH

Maddie from Nashua and Peri from Manchester share their stories of struggling to put food on the table, and why SNAP has been a lifeline.

Peri (Manchester)
As grocery prices continued to rise faster than his income, Peri found it increasingly difficult to balance the cost of food with other essential household expenses. SNAP provided critical support, helping him preserve his savings and keep nutritious food on the table.

Maddie (Nashua)
After leaving a 20-year abusive relationship, Maddie faced the challenge of rebuilding her life with limited resources and uncertain access to food. SNAP provided the stability she needed, helping her meet basic needs while regaining her independence.

Do you have a story like Maddie's or Peri's that you'd like to share about your experience with food insecurity?

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Legislative Updates: NH

SB 615
Status: Passed the Senate Floor on March 12th with an amendment replacing the bill’s text. It now establishes a commission to study the use and regulation of SNAP in NH, with results due by November 1, 2027. The NH Food Bank is named as a participating organization in this study.

Description: Proposed significant changes to SNAP access and administration
- Eligibility and Verification Concerns: The bills propose banning Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE), which would lower the gross income test from 200% FPL to 130% FPL and reinstate asset limits. They also mandate excessive data verification, including using the SAVE program beyond federal requirements, creating barriers for both citizens and non-citizens.
- Food Waivers and Retail Impact: The initial legislation called for purchase restrictions on sugary drinks and candy. Implementing these restrictions is highly complex for retailers, particularly small “mom & pop” stores in food deserts. This complexity could force smaller stores to opt out of SNAP entirely, limiting food access for vulnerable populations.
- Administrative Burden: The State testified that implementing these bills would require heavy manual data handling, creating more opportunities for errors that could result in a higher Payment Error Rate (PER). Having a higher PER would mean that the state would receive less federal funding for SNAP benefits, leaving the state to cover the difference. Furthermore, implementing these changes would require DHHS to hire and train more staff. With DHHS currently under a hiring freeze for over a year and operating with a roughly 25% reduction in force, funding this administrative overhaul is highly problematic.
HB 1797
Status: Passed the House Floor on March 11th with an amendment successfully removing the food restriction waiver.

Description: Proposed significant changes to SNAP access and administration.
- Eligibility and Verification Concerns: The bills propose banning Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE), which would lower the gross income test from 200% FPL to 130% FPL and reinstate asset limits. They also mandate excessive data verification, including using the SAVE program beyond federal requirements, creating barriers for both citizens and non-citizens.
- Food Waivers and Retail Impact: The initial legislation called for purchase restrictions on sugary drinks and candy. Implementing these restrictions is highly complex for retailers, particularly small “mom & pop” stores in food deserts. This complexity could force smaller stores to opt out of SNAP entirely, limiting food access for vulnerable populations.
- Administrative Burden: The State testified that implementing these bills would require heavy manual data handling, creating more opportunities for errors that could result in a higher Payment Error Rate (PER). Having a higher PER would mean that the state would receive less federal funding for SNAP benefits, leaving the state to cover the difference. Furthermore, implementing these changes would require DHHS to hire and train more staff. With DHHS currently under a hiring freeze for over a year and operating with a roughly 25% reduction in force, funding this administrative overhaul is highly problematic.
SB 603 (DHHS SNAP Funding)

Status: Voted Ought to Pass by the Senate Finance Committee.

Description: This bill authorizes DHHS to transfer funds to address any budget reductions for SNAP resulting from decreased federal funding during the FY 2026/2027 biennium. This is vital to fund the cost-sharing of SNAP administrative costs (mandated in HR1), which are set to rise from 50% to 75% on October 1, 2026.
HB 1773 (SNAP Food and Drink Purchases)

Status: Voted Inexpedient to Legislate by the House.
Watch Our Testimony on HB 1797 (Heidi Johnson for the NH Food Bank)

Be Part of the Solution!

Stay informed – join our advocacy network!
Email or calling your federal or state representative:
- US Senators Shaheen and Hassan
- Congressman Pappas, Congresswoman Goodlander
- State Senator
- State Representative
Share via social media – follow the NH Food Bank on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn
Talk with friends

Why SNAP Matters

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the nation’s most effective anti-hunger program.

SNAP provides eligible households with monthly benefits through an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card that can be used to purchase food at authorized grocery stores, farmers markets, and retailers.

While food banks play a vital role in helping families access nutritious food, SNAP’s impact is far greater in scale.

For every one meal provided by a food pantry, SNAP provides approximately nine meals.

SNAP helps:

Reduce hunger and food insecurity
Improve access to nutritious foods
Support children, seniors, veterans, and working families
Strengthen local economies and businesses
Provide stability during times of financial hardship

SNAP is more than a nutrition program—it’s a lifeline that helps families maintain dignity, stability, and hope while they work toward long-term self-sufficiency.

SNAP Supports New Hampshire’s Economy

SNAP doesn’t just help families purchase food—it also benefits local businesses and communities.

Research shows that every $1 spent through SNAP generates approximately $1.54 in economic activity.

SNAP dollars support:

Local grocery stores
Farmers and agricultural producers
Food distributors
Retail workers
Community businesses

When families can afford nutritious food, communities are stronger and local economies benefit.

Take Action: Delay the SNAP Cost Shift to States

The New Hampshire Food Bank is committed to helping our neighbors move from food insecurity toward greater stability and health.

Protect SNAP Benefits for New Hampshire Families

SNAP benefits for individuals and families are at risk because many states are not prepared for a significant cost shift from the federal government to state and county SNAP programs.

Without additional time, states could face difficult choices that may impact program operations, state budgets, and access to benefits for people experiencing food insecurity.

Our Message to Congress

Congress must delay implementation of the SNAP cost shift and allow states a two-year transition period.

A two-year delay would give states the time needed to:

Stabilize program operations
Improve administrative accuracy
Modernize systems and technology
Avoid tax increases or deep cuts to other essential services
Protect food assistance for seniors, veterans, military families, children, and working households

Make Your Voice Heard

Federal policy decisions directly affect the ability of New Hampshire families to access the food they need.

By speaking up, you can help protect SNAP and ensure that children, seniors, veterans, and working families continue to have access to nutritious meals.

Contact Your Members of Congress

Tell your elected officials:

“Support a two-year delay of the SNAP cost shift to states to protect benefits, improve program operations, and ensure families experiencing hunger continue to receive the assistance they need.”

Together, we can advocate for policies that reduce hunger, strengthen communities, and ensure every Granite Stater has access to nutritious food.

Looking for information about applying for SNAP?

Visit our SNAP Outreach and Application Assistance page.

SNAP Application Resources

Are you a community outreach partner?

Visit our Outreach Partner Resource page for additional resources.

SNAP Outreach Partner Resources

By the Numbers

1 in 9

1 in 7

9

Stories of Food Insecurity in NH

Do you have a story like Maddie's or Peri's that you'd like to share about your experience with food insecurity?

Share your story

Legislative Updates: NH

SB 615

HB 1797

SB 603 (DHHS SNAP Funding)

HB 1773 (SNAP Food and Drink Purchases)

Watch Our Testimony on HB 1797 (Heidi Johnson for the NH Food Bank)

Read Our Op-eds