SNAP Cuts and Period Poverty: The Hidden Impact of the Big Beautiful Bill

by | Advocacy, Policy / News, Reproductive Health

SNAP cuts and Period Poverty

The Big Beautiful Bill (signed July 4, 2025) makes historic cuts to the SNAP program, removing $186 billion in nutrition funding over the next decade. While it doesn’t mention menstrual products, its impact on period poverty, food insecurity, and menstrual health access will be severe.

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) is a critical federal anti-poverty program that ensures our most vulnerable families receive assistance to purchase food. The massive tax and spending legislation imposes historic cuts to SNAP,  a safety net for 42 million Americans.

The result will be significantly less money for food for recipients, pushing menstrual products way down the list of priorities for any family or individual who is poor.

SNAP Cuts by the Numbers: Who’s Affected?

  • The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates 2-3 million people could lose SNAP benefits each month due to expanded eligibility requirements.
  • Roughly 1 in 8 of us relies on SNAP for basic nutrition. Loss of benefits will increase hunger and related health complications.
  • Approximately 400,000 households in New Jersey will lose some or all of their benefits, placing new pressures on non-profits, such as Girls Helping Girls Period, which help meet the basic needs of families and individuals.

How SNAP Cuts Worsen Period Poverty in the U.S.

For people affected by period poverty, those already struggling to afford essential menstrual care, the stakes just got higher. Cuts to SNAP mean fewer resources for food, making it even more likely that period products will be sacrificed. With an average SNAP benefit of just $186 per month per person, any reduction can force life-or-death choices: groceries or menstrual health.

What SNAP Cuts Could Mean for Menstrual Health:

  • Less money for food = period products deprioritized
  • Lack of period products often means missed school or work, which exacerbates the cycle of poverty
  • Poor menstrual health can result in infection and long-term reproductive health complications
  • Nearly 3 million people could lose benefits each month.
  • Over 400,000 NJ households will face new financial pressure.
  • SNAP benefits do not cover period products

How You Can Help Fight Period Poverty After the SNAP Cuts

  • Help supply period products to local food pantries and organizations that serve families and individuals in need.
  • Donate to Girls Helping Girls Period so we can continue to supply critical menstrual care items to the more than 100 agencies that depend on us for the care of tens of thousands of clients.   
  • Advocate: Let your elected officials know your thoughts on this legislation. Demand they support laws that help those with limited incomes and those who are unable to work, none of whom should have their dignity or health jeopardized as a result. 
  • Share: Help spread the word about how this bill affects real lives.

This bill isn’t just numbers. It has a real impact on families, nutrition, and human dignity.