Native communities secure SNAP work rule exemption in federal bill

American Indians and Alaska Natives are now exempt from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) work requirements under the latest version of a sweeping federal bill, according to Native News Online. On June 25, the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry released updated legislative text that includes the exemption, which mirrors similar protections related to Medicaid.

The exemption comes amid concerns that imposing work requirements would undermine the federal government’s trust responsibility. In tribal communities, food insecurity affects one in four Native individuals, with some areas reporting SNAP reliance rates as high as 80%. The bill, known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” combines a range of funding and policy measures that have raised concerns across Indian Country.