Major changes to SNAP are coming, and Nevada families, and our state budget, could feel the consequences.

Beginning October 1, 2026, the federal government will reduce its share of SNAP administrative costs from 50% to 25%, leaving states with fewer federal resources for staffing, training, technology, and administering the program.

Then, beginning in October 2027, states with SNAP payment error rates above 6% could be required to pay a portion of the actual cost of food assistance.

Nevada’s FY2025 error rate was 6.22%, just 0.22 percentage points above the federal threshold.

Based on that rate, Nevada could become responsible for 5% of SNAP benefit costs. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities estimates that could mean roughly $50 million in new costs for Nevada in FY2028.

That matters as Nevada prepares for the 2027 Legislative Session.

Lawmakers could face a difficult choice: find tens of millions of dollars in the state budget to maintain food assistance or look for ways to reduce SNAP costs and participation.

We must make sure hungry Nevadans do not become the easiest place to cut.

Improving payment accuracy is important. But accuracy cannot come at the expense of access. More paperwork, complicated verification requirements, or additional barriers could lower an error rate on paper while also causing eligible families to lose the food assistance they need.

Behind every percentage point is a neighbor.

A child who needs breakfast before school.

A senior stretching a fixed income through the end of the month.

A working family trying to keep groceries on the table while paying rent, utilities, and health care.

During this August Recess, Lutheran Engagement and Advocacy in Nevada continues to advocate for a strong Farm Bill and a strong SNAP program. Congress should strengthen our nation’s commitment to addressing hunger, not shift billions of dollars in responsibility onto states already facing difficult budget choices.

And when Nevada lawmakers gather in Carson City in 2027, LEAN will be there advocating for a SNAP system that is both accurate and accessible.

As people of faith, we believe feeding our neighbors is not simply another line in a budget. It is part of our shared responsibility to one another.

Nevada cannot balance its budget by making it harder for hungry families to eat.