Closing the Meal Gap Act of 2025

The "Closing the Meal Gap Act of 2025" proposes significant changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to enhance benefits and broaden access. A primary provision is the shift from the current "thrifty food plan" to a new, more generous "low-cost food plan" as the basis for calculating SNAP allotments. This new plan defines a diet for a specific 4-person family and requires reevaluation every five years to reflect current food prices, consumption patterns, and dietary guidance, ensuring benefits remain adequate. The bill also mandates annual adjustments for the cost of the diet and includes specific cost adjustments for high-cost areas like Hawaii and Alaska, while increasing the minimum allotment from 8 percent to 10 percent of the low-cost food plan. Beyond benefit calculation, the bill introduces a standard medical expense deduction for elderly or disabled SNAP participants, starting at $140 for fiscal year 2023 and adjusted annually for inflation. This provides a simplified and consistent deduction for medical costs, with states having the option to establish a higher deduction if it meets cost-neutrality standards. Furthermore, the legislation eliminates the cap on excess shelter expenses , allowing households to deduct the full amount of their qualifying shelter costs, which can significantly increase their eligible SNAP benefits. A crucial change in eligibility rules is the elimination of the time limit for able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) to receive SNAP benefits. This provision removes the restriction that limits these individuals to three months of benefits in a three-year period unless they meet specific work requirements. By removing this time limit, the bill aims to provide more consistent food assistance to a vulnerable population.